Part 28 (1/2)
”It would be more agreeable to me not to answer questions.”
”I daresay, but I shall stay here until you do.”
”Then, it is one year,” said Agapit, reluctantly.
”It has, therefore, not arisen since I came?”
”Oh, no, a thousand times no.”
”It is a question of religion?”
”No, it is not,” said Agapit, indignantly; ”we are not in the Middle Ages.”
”It seems to me that we are; does Rose's priest know?”
”Yes, but not through her.”
”Through you,--at confession?”
”Yes, but he would die rather than break the seal of confession.”
”Of course. Does any one here but you know?”
”Oh, no, no; only myself, and Rose's uncle, and one other.”
”It has something to do with her first marriage,” said Vesper, sharply.
”Did she promise her husband not to marry again?”
Agapit would not answer him.
”You are putting me off with some silly bugbear,” said Vesper, contemptuously.
”A bugbear! holy mother of angels, it is a question of the honor of our race. But for that, I would tell you.”
”You do not wish her to marry me because I am an American.”
”I would be proud to have her marry an American,” said Agapit, vehemently.
”I shall not waste more time on you,” said Vesper, disdainfully. ”Rose will explain.”
”You must not go to her,” said Agapit, blocking his way. ”She is in a strange state. I fear for her reason.”
”You do,” muttered Vesper, ”and you try to keep me from her?”
Agapit stood obstinately pressing his back against the door.
”You want her for yourself,” said Vesper, suddenly striking him a smart blow across the face.
The Acadien sprang forward, his burly frame trembled, his hot breath enveloped Vesper's face as he stood angrily regarding him. Then he turned on his heel, and pressed his handkerchief to his bleeding lips.