Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/205

Rh Have pity! Pity on yourself, Count. You have enemies. The minister Bomberg watches you and is eager to ruin you. Do not wait till an imprudence on your part gives him an opportunity. Cease compromising yourself. Others besides myself might have spied on you that evening. Abandon this unhappy child; send him back to his cow-dung and stalls. There is still time. Beware of a scandal. Get rid of this rascally fellow before people say aloud what doubtless many begin to think and to murmur low."

"Never!" cried Kehlmark, with an almost savage energy. "Never, do you hear? Once more, I have done no harm; on the contrary I desire only this child's good. Nothing, therefore, shall separate me from him."

"Very well, it is I who will go, then," said she, rising. "If this ill-fated little shepherd again sets foot in Escal-Vigor I leave you."

"As you will. I shall not detain you."

"Oh, Henry," she cried, "can it so be? You have then no longer the least kind feeling for me. He dismisses me, Oh God!"

"No, I do not dismiss you, but I permit no one to dictate terms to me. If those