Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/132

108 "Well, Henry, in that case I will never leave you. Who will look after your great château down there? Who will take care of you? Is there anyone who knows your tastes better than I do, or who is so careful to satisfy them? No, Henry, separation is impossible. You could no more do without me than I could banish myself from your presence. Even if you had married, I would have wished to live at your fireside in a corner, unnoticed, submissive, nothing but your humble servant. Yes, if you desire it, I will be nothing more than your faithful factotum. Ah, Monsieur Henry, take me with you; you will see I shall be hardly an encumbrance, I will never weary you with my presence, I will efface myself as much as you require. Besides, I can truly say, Henry, it was your grandmother's wish; keep me at least for the sake of the dear one who has gone."

And deeply moved, Blandine burst anew into sobs; Kehlmark also felt himself shaken to the depths of his heart. He drew the young girl gently to his bosom and gave her a brotherly kiss on the forehead.

"Well, let it be as you wish," he murmured, "but may you never repent of it