Part 32 (1/2)
”What I wish or bring is for your father alone; but I am heartily glad that you and your father are in such unison. A child that is not good to his parents never prospers in this world.”
Peter chuckled. It is delicious how every one dissembles. Of course the lady knows how he and his father stand toward one another, and yet she plays the hypocrite. He laughed again and again until his father said to him:
”Send something for the lady to eat and drink to the upper room; but don't wake your mother.”
As Landolin and Madam Pfann went up the stairs, Landolin stepped as lightly as the lady.
In the upper room, where Thoma's outfit was stored, the air was close.
The judge's wife quickly opened the window, and then turned to Landolin, and looked at him with the clear, friendly glance before which harshness and obduracy seemed always to disappear. Wherever she came, she diffused peace and calmness and n.o.ble graciousness.
A maid-servant brought food and drink.
Landolin went to the doors to see that no one was listening, and then said, with a modest politeness that was quite new for him:
”Pray be seated on the sofa; and permit me now to ask what you have to tell me?”
CHAPTER LVIII.
”Mr. Ex-Bailiff,” began the lady.
”Please say simply Landolin, without the Mr. or ex-bailiff.”
”Well then, Landolin, a while ago you said a word which I will not repeat. You said it in derision, in anger and vexation. Landolin, you are acquitted, but I wish that you would acquit yourself, and that you can do to-day, to me, by my help.”
”Madam, I went to confession to-day, to the priest, at church.”
”Very well. I don't mix myself in church affairs; but I see in your eyes, I see in your heart, that you have a feeling like one who strives to hide a secret sorrow, and thinks that it is not seen. You do not feel yourself free, and clear, and at ease.”
The veins in Landolin's forehead swelled in anger, but the lady looked steadily into his face as though he were a wild animal that could be tamed by a firm, unwavering look. His eyelids rose and fell quickly, his tightly compressed lips quivered, and his hand that lay on the table clenched nervously.
”I know what you want to say,” said the lady, quickly; ”you have a right to do so: only say right out that I must leave your house; that I had no right to force myself into your home, or into your heart. Only say it, and I will go.”
”No, stay. You are a brave woman, I must say. I should not have thought it possible, never,--a woman! Speak without fear. From such a woman as you I will hear anything. I think there can be but one such as you in the world.”
The lady blushed, and for hardly longer than a thought takes the flattery disconcerted her, and seemed to turn her from her course.
Landolin perceived this momentary confusion, and smiled triumphantly.
”After all, she's only a woman, and, like every woman, can be bought with dress and praise!”
Controlling herself quickly, the lady resumed, with a tone that came from her inmost soul:
”Landolin, men are put in the world together that one may help another----”
”I see nothing of it. n.o.body troubles himself about his neighbors,”
interrupted Landolin.