I have
not a word to say, and if you wish to dictate my reply, I will obey you."
"I care to know nothing," I replied, "but your intentions; it is for me
to comply with your wishes, and I assure you I am ready to do it. Tell
me, do you desire to remain, to go away, or shall I go alone?"
"Why that question?" asked Brigitte; "have I said that I had changed my
mind? I am unwell and can not travel in my present condition, but when I
recover we will go to Geneva as we have planned."
We separated at these words, and the coldness with which she had
expressed her resolution saddened me more than a refusal. It was not the
first time our liaison had been threatened by her relatives; but up to
this time, whatever letters Brigitte, had received she had never taken so
much to heart. How could I bring myself to believe that Brigitte had been
so affected by protests which, in less happy moments, had had no effect
on her? Could it be merely the weakness of a woman who recoils from an
act of final significance? I will do as you please, she had said. No, it
does not please me to demand patience, and rather than look at that
sorrowful face even a week longer, unless she speaks, I will set out
alone.
Fool that I was! Had I the strength to do it? I did not close my eyes
that night, and the next morning I resolved to call on that young man I
had seen at the Opera. I do not know whether it was wrath or curiosity
that impelled me to this course, nor did I know just what I desired to
learn of him; but I reflected that he could not avoid me this time, and
that was all I wanted.
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