Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/154

130 contracted, and he broke into a nervous laugh. At the same time, to the profound emotion of Kehlmark, he drew back, and attempted to withdraw his hand from the Count's; one would have thought he was resisting and wished to rejoin his young companions who were much amused at this scene. The Count, discouraged, let him go.

The little savage darted towards the other cowboys, but then stopped short, ceased laughing, put both his hands before his eyes, and let himself fall down on the grass where he wallowed, his body shaken by sobs, biting at the heather and knocking his naked feet together.

The Count, more and more discomposed, ran to pick him up:

"For heaven's sake, dear boy, calm thyself! Thou hast not understood me. Thou'rt wrong to be alarmed. I will never forgive myself for having hurt thee. On the contrary, I wish to do thee good. I flattered myself to deserve thy confidence, to become thy great friend. And thou gettest into this painful state! Let us suppose I have said nothing. Be at ease! I will not take thee away against thy will. Farewell!"

And the Count was about to leap into his