For a fortnight Mr. Lafond kept his promise faithfully; but at the end of that time he again yielded to the old temptation, and after a night of revelry returned home in broad daylight in a state of complete helplessness. The servant renewed his entreaties and warnings; reminded his master that the physician had declared that his existence depended on his leading a sober life, and obtained from him a renewal of the broken promise. But alas! it proved as vain as before. In a few days all his hopes were again crushed, and his prayers and entreaties were only answered by his master with a shrug of the shoulders.
"You know nothing about it, Walter," said he. "The temptation is so strong, that one can't be always resisting it."
"But it is your duty to resist it, sir; and you can succeed if you will only make up your mind to do so."
"It's too late now," replied the other, with a faint smile. "I have fought and fought, and been beaten at last. I shall give up fighting now."
"Are you really in earnest?" cried Walter, seriously.
"I am really in earnest," replied Mr. Lafond.
"Then I must indeed quit your service, sir. I will not stay here if I can not save you from rushing headlong to destruction."
"Silly fellow!" replied his master, testily. "What more would you have? It will be for your direct advantage to stay with me. Look at my condition. The doctor was quite right in saying that I couldn't live another year. Remain here for that short time, and you shall be well paid for your services. I will take care not to forget you in my will."
The young Switzer could not restrain his emotion at hearing his weak-minded but good-natured master talk in such a careless way about death. Unable to speak, he turned to leave the room, when Mr. Lafond called him back.
"Have you no reply to make to me?" he demanded, in an offended tone.