Page:Heavens!.djvu/85

 and answered gravely, “A dutiful and obedient son, even when come to the years of full manhood, is not, and never can be, a despicable sight.”

“Indeed! Is that your real opinion?”

“Yes. I only say what I think.”

“If you only say what you think, why did you not accept my letter three weeks ago?”

“I explained why I could not receive it in my answer.”

“Don’t you trust me?”

“I did not until to-day; but from this time I do and will trust you.”

“Repeat the dear word once more, Jenny.”

“I do trust you.”

“That is enough—that satisfies me, and gives new life to my shattered frame and peace to my mind. My left arm hurts me dreadfully! It is broken—and I have lost much blood. I am growing faint”

“The baron’s eyes closed from weakness, and his right hand, which up to this had grasped Jenny’s, dropped powerless by his side. Jenny, never taking her eyes off his face, grew more and more anxious. He seemed to be getting worse, and not to have exaggerated a little while ago when he said he was dying. The blood vanished from her cheeks, her lips became blue, and big drops of perspiration stood out on her brow. Filled with restless fears, and with despair in her heart, she felt as if her very soul was held in a vice!

She looked anxiously up the avenue; there was no sign of any one yet. She acknowledged to herself that it was not possible for either the doctor or a carriage to arrive so soon; but, distracted as she was with anxiety, every minute seemed an eternity.

“Are you asleep?” she whispered.