Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/203

Rh, brought me up and taught me to love you," she went on with a touching inflection of the voice, which made Kehlmark's heart contract.

"Yes, I know that right enough, my poor Blandine. I also love thee and trust thee entirely. That is why I am surprised to see thee agree so well with the envious and malicious … I have nothing to reproach myself with, be sure of that. The same protection which my grandmother accorded thee I further bestow to-day on this young peasant. And is it thou who would'st make a crime of the good I wish to do to this despised and disinherited child? Ah Blandine, I no longer recognise thee in such a rôle. Guidon is an admirably gifted boy and of quite an exceptional nature. He interested me from the day I first saw him."

"That accursed night of the serenade!"

The Count pretended not to have heard these bitter words and went on:—

"It has pleased me to train him, to instruct him, to make him a son of my mind, to share all my knowledge with him. What is there blameworthy in that? I love him."

"You love him too much!"

"I love him as it pleases me to love him."