But, as I said, she needs a brother's care. You
are nearest of kin, Stanton, and you must give it. Indeed, Ik,
pardon the freedom of an old friend whom circumstances have strangely
mixed up in this affair, I think you are honor-bound to give this
brother's protection; and you ARE a man of honor if you pass your
word."
"Do you--do you think there is still any danger that she will---"
"No; the danger is passed for this occasion; but you must guard
her from deep despondency or strong provocation in the future."
"The task you require is a difficult one. I doubt whether she ever
forgives me even."
"I think she will. I have also learned to-night that genuine
kindness and sympathy have great weight with her. Pledge me your
word that you will do the best you can."
"Well, Van, I suppose I ought--I will. But your words have quite
unnerved me."
"Unnerved! I'm worse than that. I feel as if I had passed through
a month's illness. Never breathe a whisper of all this to any one.
Good-night." And he strode away in the darkness.
Having reached a secluded spot, he ground the phial of laudanum
that Ida had given him under his heel with the vindictiveness with
which he would stamp out the life of a poisonous reptile.
Pages:
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455