Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/115



season of their carnal love did not last long. When the bonds of their physical union were relaxed and then dissolved, Blandine was but little afflicted and hardly surprised. However, she loved him more passionately than ever, cherishing an idolatrous gratitude for the homage which he had paid her, and esteeming herself happy and proud in his attachment.

The Dowager had suspected their good understanding, but she was ignorant how far their love had gone. She smiled benignly on this affection, for she became more and more accustomed to look upon Blandine as her granddaughter, and as the sister, if not the wife of her Henry.

Madame de Kehlmark herself admired her grandson, but being clear-sighted and her very solicitude making her acute, she divined that he was exceptional even to the extent