“It has cost you no sacrifices, Mrs. Jool; for you have simply tried to make money out of your daughter’s misfortune.”
“And he must have shoes and socks, or else he will have to run about bare-legged in clogs like a peasant’s child.”
“I will provide them, Mrs. Jool; and now I have heard enough. This is the path which leads to the village.”
“What a hurry you’re in!”
“These are private grounds; do you understand that? Now take yourself off, or——”
“Marry come up! how anxious you are to get rid of me. Well, well, I am going. Otherwise I am afraid this dandy will play the policeman for her.” And so she limped off along the path indicated, mumbling all the way.
Francis then turned to me and said—
“Well, Leopold, this incident will serve to enlighten you; behold a power opposed to my freedom and happiness.”
“I understand,” I answered, trying to assume a calmness I did not possess; “I understand, Francis—you are too honest to bind any man to you for life, saddled as you are with such a burden. But why did you not confide this terrible secret to me sooner? I will attempt the impossible to save you!”
“But, Leopold, what are you thinking of?” she responded, quite red with emotion; “you surely do not suspect me of anything unworthy? You comprehend that my honour is not herein concerned, though I must suffer for the deplorable consequences of the fault I committed.”