Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/196

172 it to me! Come, join us in the arms of death! Rise, beautiful storm of deliverance! I have naught else to lose; the fiery torrents shall be like to my flesh, fresh and limpid streams, compared with the love that devours me and has reduced me to despair!

"Ah, come!" And the accursed man pressed Stephen to his heart, stifling him, fastened his lips on his and withdrew them not again, until heaven's fire had enveloped them both."

At this point in the pathetic improvisation, Kehlmark's voice died away in a low murmur, like a gasp.

"Oh, my dear child," groaned he, falling at the feet of the young shepherd, "I love thee to distraction; as much as Gerard loved Stephen, so love I thee."

"And I, I love you also, dear master, and that with all my strength," replied Guidon, throwing his arms around his neck. "I am yours, yours alone, without a second thought. Is it only now that you know it? Do with me whate'er you will."

"I had but only to see thee," said Kehlmark, "to take compassion on thy beauty ignored and proudly chaste. And from that compassion sprang my love."