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Page 25
He paused.
There is nothing more painful to a stranger than these family quarrels.
There are such contending interests, so many private motives, at work,
that mere modesty should make it our duty to place ourselves out of
hearing of such discussions. I felt pained, and would gladly have
retired. But the circumstances of the case forbade this.
"My dear father," said Odile, as if to evade any further discussion, "you
will get better. Heaven will not take you from those who love you. If you
but knew the fervour with which I pray for you!"
"That is not an answer," said the count drily. "What objection can you
make to my proposal? Is it not fair and natural? Am I to be deprived of
the consolations vouchsafed to the neediest and most wretched? You know
I have acted towards you openly and frankly."
"You have, my father."
"Then give me your reason for your refusal."
"My resolution is formed--I have consecrated myself to God."
So much firmness in so frail a being made me tremble. She stood like the
sculptured Madonna in Hugh's tower, calm and immovable, however weak in
appearance.
The eyes of the count kindled with an ominous fire. I tried to make the
young countess understand by signs how gladly I would hear her give the
least hope, and calm his rising passion; but she seemed not to see me.
"So," he cried in a smothered tone, as if he were strangling--"so you
will look on and see your father perish? A word would restore him to
life, and you refuse to speak that one word?"
"Life is not in the hand of man, for it is God's gift; my word can be
of no avail."
"Those are nothing but pious maxims," answered the count scornfully, "to
release you from your plain duty. But has not God said, 'Honour thy
father and thy mother?'"
"I do honour you," she replied gently. "But it is my duty not to marry."
I could hear the grinding and gnashing of the man's teeth. He lay
apparently calm, but presently turned abruptly and cried--
"Leave me; the sight of you is offensive to me!"
And addressing me as I stood by agitated with conflicting feelings--
"Doctor," he cried with a savage grin, "have you any violent malignant
poison about you to give me--something that will destroy me like a
thunderbolt? It would be a mercy to poison me like a dog, rather than
let me suffer as I am doing."
His features writhed convulsively, his colour became livid.
Odile rose and advanced to the door.
"Stay!" he howled furiously--"stay till I have cursed you!"
So far I had stood by without speaking, not venturing to interfere
between Father and Daughter, but now I could refrain no longer.
"Monseigneur," I cried, "for the sake of your own health, for the sake
of mere justice and fairness, do calm yourself; your life is at stake."
"What matters my life? what matters the future? Is there a knife here to
put an end to me? Let me die!"
His excitement rose every minute. I seemed to dread lest in some frenzied
moment he should spring from the bed and destroy his child's life. But
she, calm though deadly pale, knelt at the door, which was standing open,
and outside I could see Sperver, whose features betrayed the deepest
anxiety. He drew near without noise, and bending towards Odile--
"Oh, mademoiselle!" he whispered--"mademoiselle, the count is such a
worthy, good man. If you would but just say only, 'Perhaps--by-and-by--we
will see.'"
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