Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/266

242 As he did not breathe a word, she decided after a silence, to strike the decisive blow.

"Listen," she went on, "it is said your affairs are no longer in a flourishing condition. With all respect, if you were willing, there would perhaps be a means …"

This time he turned pale, but replied in a kindly, gentle voice:

"My good girl, the Kehlmarks do not sell themselves. You will find more than one suitable husband among your own class. Still, believe me it is not at all through pride that I refuse your offer. I cannot love you, you understand? I cannot. Follow my advice; accept a good, honest fellow for husband. There is no want of them in this prosperous island. I am not at all the sort of companion that would suit you."

The more he spoke with compunction, modestly and persuasively, the more Claudie's passions began to boil. She was inclined to see nothing in him but a haughty mystifier, or a conceited coxcomb who had made fun of her.

"You said just now that a Kehlmark was not for sale!" she exclaimed, panting with spite. "Perhaps I have not bid high enough!