Part 53 (1/2)
”True, I did,” replied Jaspar, with a whining sullenness. ”What would you have of me now?”
”Only that you fulfil the stipulations of the bargain.”
”Can I fulfil them? Can I marry you, even if the girl were willing?”
”You can give your commands. Will she not obey them?”
”Fool if she does!” muttered Jaspar, in a low tone.
”She will be so glad to be restored to her home, I fancy she will not think the terms are hard.”
”I don't know,” said Jaspar, eying the attorney from head to foot. ”I consent to the marriage. I can do no more.”
”Perhaps you will be willing to use a little gentle force, to save your own neck,” said the attorney, with something like a sneer.
”Anything, anything, that will silence your d.a.m.ning tongue, and rid me of your teasing!”
”Now, sir, you are reasonable.”
”Summon the girl,” said Jaspar, impatiently. ”I will say all I have to say in a few words. But, if she foils you, it is not my fault.”
”True sir; but Miss Dumont, at this critical juncture of her affairs, will have respect for your counsels;” and the attorney withdrew to call her.
Emily entered the abode of her early years, and the memories of the past came crowding thick upon her. She seemed to realize that her sorrows were near an end, but the hope which such a pleasant thought inspired could not entirely overcome the gloom which the scene around her was calculated to produce. It was here she had often rambled with her father, and a thousand trivial incidents presented themselves to remind her of him.
As she entered the house, she clung to the arm of Vernon, as though she was entering the abode of evil spirits; for, with all the memories of the past, she could not forget that the home of her childhood was inhabited by her inhuman uncle.
She had been but a short time seated in the old, familiar drawing-room, like a stranger now, when De Guy entered, to request her presence in the library. She rose, and looked at Vernon, who, understanding the glance, approached, as if to bear her company.
”This gentleman had better remain here,” suggested De Guy.
”I prefer that he should attend me,” said Emily, firmly, even while her heart rose to her throat, at the thought of meeting her uncle.
”But really, madam, his presence would embarra.s.s the business of the interview.”
”He is a friend,” stammered Emily, ”and is acquainted with all the circ.u.mstances of this affair.”
”I will attend her, sir,” said Vernon, who had before remained silent.
”Pardon me,” said the attorney, looking sharply at Vernon, ”but it will be impossible to transact any business in presence of others.”
”Lead on,” said Vernon, sternly; ”I will attend the lady, in spite of all objections.”
”Sir, you are insolent!” said the attorney, tartly, though without the loss of his self-possession.
”The gentleman will not in the least r.e.t.a.r.d the business. Pray pa.s.s on,”
interposed Emily, fearful of a collision between the parties.
”It is impossible, madam. I must insist that he remain here. Such is Mr.
Dumont's express order.”
”Will you say to Mr. Dumont that the lady demands my attendance? Perhaps he will yield the point,” answered Vernon.