Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/261



a few days Kehlmark, Blandine, and Guidon were to leave Escal-Vigor, without expectation of return. Blandine, warned by presentiment, hurried on the preparations for departure. She longed to find herself back again in the great town, and once more beneath the roof of that villa where the revered Dowager of Kehlmark had breathed her last.

Landrillon saw his prey escaping him. Whilst he was quite hopeful of winning Claudie, he was still more anxious to take his fill of revenge on the people of the château. He determined therefore, to hurry events forwards on the one side and the other.

It was the eve of the Bacchanalian fair at Smaragdis, the sacramental season for marriage engagements. Landrillon betook himself to Les Pèlerins and pressed Claudie to make her choice between the Count and him. The rustic beauty asked for a few