Page:Eekhoud - The New Carthage.djvu/227

Rh Ah! nobody could have so completely assuaged the bitterness and the humiliation which this sacrifice cost Dobouziez! Who could have believed the merchant capable of such delicacy and such fine shadings of kindness? Dobouziez was forced to admit it in the bottom of his heart, so armored, proud, and inaccessible to emotions. And, as he was leaving M. Daelmans—his employer—as he was uttering some correct formula of gratitude, he felt as if icicles were suddenly melting in his breast, and thinking better of it, fell into the arms of his friend, his saviour.

"Courage!" said the other, with his habitual simplicity and heartiness.