Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/96

72 than succeed in wresting from Blandine what she wished to know.

Weary of the struggle, the virtuous paysanne induced the vicar to try what he could do. This gentleman was paternal and wheedling:

"What is all this about little Blandine? Must I believe what thy worthy mother tells me? Thou'rt not going to be naughty!… Thou'rt rebellious? After having sinned thou'lt not name thy accomplice?… Ah, that is bad, very bad!"

"Father, I have confessed my wrong to my mother and am ready to confess it to you, but betraying others is hateful to me."

"That's all very well, my daughter! How high and mighty we do get! And if I thy pastor were of opinion that thou ought to give up to us the name of this evildoer."

"I would refuse, all the same, Monsieur le Curé."

And, as the priest, quite taken aback at such insubordination, shot a severe glance at her, Blandine burst into sobs, exclaiming."

"Yes, I would refuse Monsieur le Curé, I would not even tell this name to the good God if he did not know it. This man is already unhappy enough. To name him