|
||||||||
her. It almost seemed to her that no one had ever been so close to her as that. All this, however, took but an instant, at the end of which she had disengaged her wrist, turning her eyes upon her visitant. Youve frightened me, she said. I didnt mean to, he answered, but if I did a little, no matter. I came from London a while ago by the train, but I couldnt come here directly. There was a man at the station who got ahead of me. He took a fly that was there, and I heard him give the order to drive here. I dont know who he was, but I didnt want to come with him; I wanted to see you alone. So Ive been waiting and walking about. Ive walked all over, and I was just coming to the house when I saw you here. There was a keeper, or some one, who met me; but that was all right, because I had made his acquaintance when I came here with your cousin. Is that gentleman gone? Are you really alone? I want to speak to you. Goodwood spoke very fast; he was as excited as when they had parted in Rome. Isabel had hoped that condition would subside; and she shrank into herself as she perceived that, on the contrary, he had only let out sail. She had a new sensation; he had never produced it before; it was a feeling of danger. There was indeed something really formidable in his resolution. She gazed straight before her; he, with a hand on each knee, leaned forward, looking deeply into her face. The twilight seemed to darken round them. I want to speak to you, he repeated; Ive something particular to say. I dont want to trouble youas I did the other day in Rome. That was of no use; it only distressed you. I couldnt help it; I knew I was wrong. But Im not wrong now; please dont think I am, he went on with his hard, deep voice melting a moment into entreaty. I came here to- day for a purpose. Its very different. It was vain for me to speak to you then; but now I can help you. She couldnt have told you whether it was because she was afraid, or because such a voice in the darkness seemed of necessity a boon; but she listened to him as she had never listened before; his words dropped deep into her soul. They produced a sort of stillness in all her being; and it was with an effort, in a moment, that she answered him. How can you help me? she asked in a low tone, as if she were taking what he had said seriously enough to make the enquiry in confidence. By inducing you to trust me. Now I knowto-day I know. Do you remember what I asked you in Rome? Then I was quite in the dark. But to-day I know on good authority; everythings clear to me to-day. It was a good thing when you made me come away with your cousin. He was a good man, a fine man, one of the best; he told me how the case stands for you. He explained everything; he guessed my sentiments. He was a member of your family and he left youso long as you should be in Englandto my care, said Goodwood as if he were making a great point. Do you know what he said to me the last time I saw himas he lay there where he died? He said: Do everything you can for her; do everything shell let you. Isabel suddenly got up. You had no business to talk about me! Why notwhy not, when we talked in that way? he demanded, following her fast. And he was dyingwhen a mans dying its different. She checked the movement she had made to leave him; she was listening more than ever; it was true that he was not the same as that last time. That had been aimless, fruitless passion, but at present he had an idea, which she scented in all her being. But it doesnt matter! he exclaimed, pressing her still harder, though now without touching a hem of her garment. If Touchett had never opened his mouth I should have known all the same. I had only to look at you at your cousins funeral to see whats the matter with you. You cant deceive me any more; for Gods sake be honest with a man whos so honest with you. Youre the most unhappy of women, and your husbands the deadliest of fiends. She turned on him as if he had struck her. Are you mad? she cried. Ive never been so sane; I see the whole thing. Dont think its necessary to defend him. But I wont say another word against him; Ill speak only of you, Goodwood added quickly. How can you pretend youre not heart-broken? You dont know what to doyou dont know where to turn. Its too late to play a part; didnt you leave all that behind you in Rome? Touchett knew all about it, and I knew it toowhat |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
Copyright: All texts on Bibliomania are © Bibliomania.com Ltd, and may not be reproduced in any form without our written permission. See our FAQ for more details. | ||||||||