Part 18 (2/2)
”I know it. The same man who brought me this news, and who, poor fellow, has left his scalp and ears behind him, saw her often. She is grown up, and is, he says, a sort of queen among them, possessed of strange powers and privileges. Yes, she still lives; and if it be my fortune to recover her, then will this tragic scene be at an end. I will go far hence.”
I had listened with deep attention to the strange recital. All the disgust with which my previous knowledge of this man's character had inspired me vanished from my mind, and I felt for him compa.s.sion--ay, admiration. He had suffered much. Suffering atones for crime, and in my sight he was justified. Perhaps I was too lenient in my judgment.
It was natural I should be so.
When the revelation was ended, I was filled with emotions of pleasure.
I felt a vivid joy to know that she was not the offspring of the demon I had deemed him.
He seemed to divine my thoughts; for there was a smile of satisfaction, I might say triumph, on his countenance, as he leaned across the table to refill the wine.
”Monsieur, my story must have wearied you. Drink!”
There was a moment's silence as we emptied the gla.s.ses.
”And now, sir, you know the father of your betrothed, at least somewhat better than before. Are you still in the mind to marry her?”
”Oh, sir! she is now, more than ever, to me a sacred object.”
”But you must win her, as I have said, from me.”
”Then, sir, tell me how. I am ready for any sacrifice that may be within my power to make.”
”You must help me to recover her sister.”
”Willingly.”
”You must go with me to the desert.”
”I will.”
”Enough. We start to-morrow.” And he rose, and began to pace the room.
”At an early hour?” I inquired, half fearing that I was about to be denied an interview with her whom I now more than ever longed to embrace.
”By daybreak,” he replied, not seeming to heed my anxious manner.
”I must look to my horse and arms,” said I, rising, and going towards the door, in hopes of meeting her without.
”They have been attended to; G.o.de is there. Come, boy! She is not in the hall. Stay where you are. I will get the arms you want. Adele!
Zoe! Oh, doctor, you are returned with your weeds! It is well. We journey to-morrow. Adele, some coffee, love! and then let us have some music. Your guest leaves you to-morrow.”
The bright form rushed between us with a scream.
”No, no, no, no!” she exclaimed, turning from one to the other, with the wild appeal of a pa.s.sionate heart.
”Come, little dove!” said the father, taking her by the hands; ”do not be so easily fluttered. It is but for a short time. He will return again.”
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