“People who allow themselves to be influenced by calumny cannot have much character.”
“Do you think so, mademoiselle?”
“I am sure of it. Before doubting a person I have once esteemed, I wait till their acts openly condemn them. If I have the misfortune to despise them then, it is because they force me to do so.”
These words were uttered in a significant tone. Eugénie then left Louis abruptly with a gracious and dignified salutation.
Louis stood looking at her as she went away, admiring her slender form and the exquisite distinction of her whole person. This sudden meeting with her seemed like one of those glimpses of the sun that sometimes occur in the midst of the most violent storms. He thanked God; he felt happy at her indirect assurance that she still regarded him with esteem. He asked himself if she did not love him. He did not dare believe it, but was almost ready to do so. One fear alone remained in all its strength—the fear of incurring Mr. Smithson’s anger by co-operating in the conversion of Adams.
Ah! if Louis had not been heartily devoted to his faith, how soon he would have despatched this troublesome neophyte! But, no; he ought not, he could not. He consoled himself by repeating Eugénie’s words, which had struck him in a peculiar manner: Fais ce que dois, advienne que pourra.... “Well,” thought he, “what I ought to do is to enlighten those who seek the truth.... I yield to a sense of duty. Eugénie is a Catholic as well as I, and cannot help approving of my course. If Mr. Smithson is displeased, his daughter, to be consistent with her principles, must confess that I am right.”
As Louis entered his room, a note was given him from me, imploring him to come to us as soon as possible.
CHAPTER XXIII.
VICTOR’S DEATH.—PLOTS AGAINST LOUIS.