The things we do!

Auban. What now passed across his countenance, little by
little, therefore, was relief, relaxation from a strain, a solution
of some doubtful problem. In brief, there seemed offered to him
now the opportunity to terminate an errand which suddenly had grown
distasteful to him and dangerous both to him and to his charge. At
one stroke he might secure for himself riddance of the company of
an embarrassing companion who already had served notice of her
intention to desert him; and might also keep silent this man, whom
she had asked for aid. As for him, she would take his measure
quickly enough if he presumed in any way. Would not the purpose of
his journey have been accomplished, might not he himself return to
his work, would not each of these three have been served to his or
her own liking, should now the suggestion of this eager man be
accepted? If he won at the cards, why then--if he lost--but that
he resolved not to do! The greatest misfortune possible, to his
perplexed soul, was that the cards should not be against him.


Pages:
58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82