Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/131

Rh existence. And above all do not talk to me of sacrifice. The years which I had the honour of passing with Madame de Kehlmark could never have been happier. I owe everything to your grandmother, Count. 0 suffer me humbly to repay to you the debt which I owe her! You will have need of a manager, a steward, to take charge of your affairs, manage your fortune, and direct your household. You entertain ideas too noble, too brilliant, for you to weary yourself with these prosaic and material details. Counting and reckoning is not in your line; as for me, it is my life. That indeed, is all 1 know. Now Monsieur Artist" (she became adorably wheedling), "here is a good suggestion: do not send me away this time; agree to keep me on in the employment which I filled with the Countess. If she were here she would herself intercede for me.—Unless you think of marrying!"

"I marry!" he cried. "I marry!"

It was impossible to mistake the intonation of these words. The Count of Kehlmark was evidently much averse to any matrimonial compact whatsoever.

Blandine could hardly conceal her joy; she laughed through her tears.