Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/352

 hand, which I cannot finish without your assistance. What would you think of again taking your place in my work-room? You are silent! Yes, I know that I have injured and insulted you. It is needless to deny that I was violently enraged against you, on account of your attachment to my daughter Madelon. But since then, I have carefully reflected on the matter, and decided that, considering the cleverness, industry and fidelity which you have always shown, I ought not to wish for any better son-in-law. Come with me, then, if you are not unwilling, and you shall have my free permission to obtain Madelon, as soon as you can, for your betrothed bride.'

"Cardillac's words agitated me to the heart. I shuddered at his enormous treachery, and could scarcely bring out a word, 'You hesitate,' said he, in a sharp tone, fixing on me his intense glaring eyes. 'You hesitate! And, perhaps, you could not go with me to-day. You have other plans in view, and will probably pay a visit to Desgrais, or get yourself introduced to D'Argensen or la Regnie?—But, take care, young man, that the clutches of these executioners, whom you are about to rouse for the destruction of another, do not turn against yourself, and rend you!'Here, my indignation suddenly broke out in words.

"'Let those,' said I, 'who are convicted by their own conscience, entertain fears of such executioners. I, at least, can front them without apprehension.' 'The truth is,' said Cardillac, still retaining perfect composure, 'it is an honor for you to be in my employment, as I am universally known and celebrated as the first artizan in Paris; and, at the same time, my character is so well established, that every evil report against me would recoil heavily on the head of the calumniator. As for Madelon, however, I must confess to you, that it is wholly to her that you owe this visit from me. She is attached to you, with a degree of constancy and ardor, which, in so young a girl, I should hardly have thought possible. As soon as she knew that you were away, she fell at my feet, burst into tears, and confessed that, without you,