She has had a shock to her inmost feelings. At some time or other she has been so deeply wounded that she cannot live again in peace.
She and I have so much in common that we might be blood-relations. But we ought not to live under the same roof as mistress and servant.
⁂ ⁂ ⁂
Gradually the fog is dispersing, and the lights burn brighter. I seem to follow Jeanne's dreams as they pass beneath her brow. Her mouth has fallen a little open, as if she were dead. Every moment she starts up; but when she sees me she smiles and drops off again. Good heavens, how utterly exhausted she seems after these hours of fear!
But somebody is there! Yes ... outside ... there between the trees ... I see somebody coming....
It is only Torp, with her lantern, and the dressmaker from the neighbouring village. The moment she opened the basement door and I heard her voice I felt quite myself again.
⁂ ⁂ ⁂
We have eaten ravenously, like wolves. For the first time Jeanne sat at table with me and shared my meal. For the first and probably for the last time. Torp opened her eyes very wide, but she was careful to make no observations.
My fit of madness to-night has taught me that the sooner I have a man of some kind to protect the house the better.
⁂ ⁂ ⁂