Part 22 (2/2)
”And suppose I have not,” he said ”What is it to Mademoiselle? What are the words of a ruined man, the idle speech of a fool who fancied he would sup that night in paradise, and what use is it to recall them now?
Is it possible you believe I am touched by such trivial matters? Because everyone had done what you wish, do you think I shall also? Do you think you can , roone this far to turn back?
Madea to throw it all away, even--”
He paused, and bowed again
”Even for you, Mademoiselle I have arrived where I auess it? It was a pleasure to take you from Blanzy
It is business now, and they cannot be combined
”Listen, Mademoiselle,” he continued ”Not threeback and forth, and not entirely for pleasure Around this house at present are enough men to run your estates at Blanzy A sloop has co, and has landed its crew forto spring at my throat I have succeeded so that there is not a lad to see , Madeuess why they are waiting?”
He took a pinch of snuff and dusted his fingers
”Because they fear that I may burn the paper if they disturb me
They believe if they keep hidden, if I do not suspect, that I may venture forth They hope to take me alive, or kill me, and still obtain the paper Indeed, it is their one hope It would be a pity to disappoint the in the candle light
”There are few things whichsituation, and this one is very a Do you think I have crossed the ocean to deliver this document, and then I shall stop?
No, Madeain, and stepped backwards towards the door
”Pray do likewise, Made in this little episode fit for you to remember It is not you they are after, and you will be quite safe here I have made sure of that My son will remain until your brother arrives, and will dispense what hospitality you require
”I trust,” he added, turning to me, ”you still remember why you have been here?”
”Indeed, yes,” I answered
”Then it is good-bye, Henry I shall not bother to offer you my hand
Brutus, you will remain with my son until a quarter to seven”
Even now I cannot tell what made a mist come over my eyes and a lump in my throat anyWas it possible I was sorry to see the last of him? Or was it simply self pity that shortened my breath and made my voice seem broken and discordant?
”And after that?” I asked
He looked at ers on his sword hilt
”After that--” He stared thoughtfully at the shadows of the darkened roo as I was, of the wasted years and what the end would be?
”After that,” he repeated, half to himself, ”come, I will make an appointment with you after that--on the other side of the Styx, my son