Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/177

Rh was obtaining over the mind of her master, and she even endeavoured to smile graciously on her lover's favourite.

She therefore endured the teasing and importunity of the satyr and contented herself with escaping as well as she could from his violence.

Blandine's resistance and contempt only exasperated the ruffian's desire. One day he was even on the point of forcing his odious passion on to her by brute strength, when she armed herself with a kitchen knife, left lying on the table, and threatened to plunge it into his belly.

Then, as he drew back, she fled in tears towards the staircase, determined to go up to the Count's room and denounce to him the rascal's disgraceful conduct.

"As thou wilt," sneered Landrillon, pale with rage and lust, and likewise resolved to go to extremities. "But in thy place, I'd do nothing of the sort. I don't fancy thou'lt be quite welcome up there. He's more likely to be cross with thee for disturbing him. For if thou hast still a fondness for him, he don't care a brass button for thee, thy quondam lover!"

"What do you mean?" protested the