Part 20 (2/2)
Truly, words can serve every use. Who remain? You can easily count the young people of Alsatian origin belonging to wealthy families, and who could have aspired to the hand of Lucienne Oberle.”
She went on more excitedly:
”But they did not ask for me; and they will not ask for me, my dear!
That is what you have never understood. They kept away, they and their parents, because father....
”They have put us and our family under an interdict. I am, in consequence, one of those they do not marry. Owing to their intolerance, the narrowness of their conception of life, I am condemned by them. They call me the 'beautiful Lucienne Oberle,' but none of those who like to look at me, and greet me with affected respect would dare to defy his people and make me his wife. I have not had to choose; you cannot reproach me on that score. The situation is such that, willing or not, I shall not be asked in marriage by an Alsatian. It is not my fault. I knew what I was doing when I accepted Lieutenant von Farnow!”
”Accepted?”
”In the sense that I am bound--certainly. During last autumn, but especially for the last four months, Lieutenant von Farnow has paid me a great deal of attention.”
”Then it was he on horseback, there on the road, the night I returned?”
”Yes.”
”Was it he who recently came to visit the saw-mills with another officer?”
”Yes; but I have met him mostly in society at Strasburg, when father took me to b.a.l.l.s and dinners.--You know that mamma, because of her poor health--but above all because of her hatred of everything German--generally avoids accompanying me. I met Lieutenant von Farnow constantly. He had every chance of talking to me.
”At last, when he came here, just lately, he asked father if I would allow him to pay me definite attentions. And this very morning, after lunch, I answered 'Yes.'”
”Then father consents?”
”Yes.”
”The others?”
”Know nothing about it. And it will be terrible. Think of it. My mother, my grandfather, Uncle Ulrich! I hoped for your support, Jean, to help me overcome all these difficulties, and to help me also to heal all the wounds I am going to inflict. First of all, von Farnow must be introduced to mamma, who does not know him. Alsheim is quite impossible. We have been thinking of a meeting at some mutual friend's house in Strasburg. But if I have to consider you as one more enemy, what good is there in my telling you my plans?”
They stood still, Jean reflecting for a moment, as he faced the plain, which unrolled its strips of barley, and young corn, intermingling at the edges like the flow and counterflow of running water. Then, gathering his thoughts together and looking at Lucienne, who was waiting for his words, with raised face, suppliant, restless, and ardent.
”You cannot imagine how much I am suffering. You have destroyed all my joy!”
”My dear, I did not know about your love!”
”And I--I have not the courage to destroy yours....”
Lucienne threw her arms round his neck.
”How generous you are, Jean! How good you are!”
He put her away from him, and said sadly:
”Not so generous as you imagine, Lucienne, for that would be to show myself very weak. No; I do not approve of your decision. I have no confidence in your happiness....”
”But at least you will leave me free? You will not go against me?
You will help me against mamma?”
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