Serge Panine -- Volume 04

Leaning her elbows on the mantelpiece, and breathing heavily, she was waiting. Her maid came in, bringing a second lamp. Th

e?" asked Jeanne,

n their overcoats," answered the maid. "But Monsieur Pierre Delarue has

" repeated Jeanne,

mething important

he?" ask

he lights were being put

show

must certainly be something very important. She had always felt somewhat awed in Pierre's presen

remained silent and confused at the entranc

ssumed stiffness, "whatever

dear Jeanne," beg

em so very easy to give, for h

peated Mad

eyed a sudden impulse. I did not think of the manner in which I should tell you wha

sumed a h

if what you have to say is

hief. In mercy, Jeanne, make my task easier! Meet me half way! You have

trolling herself, she ans

home, surrounded by my servants, and I have

, Jeanne, I am the friend of your childhood; you have no reason to fear aught from me. I am only tr

oung woman, proudly, "or are you

Everything is true, serious and terrible! Since you compel me to say things which may be unpalatable, they must out. Prince Panine is in your house, o

ungovernable rage she stepped forward,

shall call fo

t yet arrived, prevent his coming in. So long as I remain here you will dissimulate your fear and will not take any precautions. I will leave you, then. Adieu, Jeanne!

eavy curtain which hid the door

Serge entered the room. The young woman rushed into hi

we are

answered Panine

do?" cried Je

emain here a moment lo

what shall I say to C

ge, bitterly. "He loves

hall be separated for ever

which has been my one aim in life, is escaping from me. The family which I have scorned is f

Desvarennes will pay and save your name. In exchange you will give her back her daughter. You don't care about her, because you love me. I am your real wife; she who ought to share your life.

poverty, and, perhaps, misery," said the Pr

make you forge

t feel regre

long as y

e, taking Jeanne in his arms

entence with sparkling eyes, "we will

ess by the hand, he went with her into the dressing-room. Jeanne threw a dark cloak round her shoulders, put a hat on her head, and wi

least noise, holding their breath, and with beating hearts. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Jeanne stretched out her hand, and sought the handle of the door which opene

ened on the outsi

anne, seized with fear.

d at once. The husband lying in wait, had seen him enter, and to preve

om through the dressing- room. Jeanne took off

ith suppressed rage; and he walk

that," cried J

rightened lo

were behin

heavy step was heard approaching along the gallery, a hand tried to

l from the outside, sounding mournf

e knocked imperativ

Open, I say!" he crie

't open the

ine's ear. "Go downstairs again, and break op

" answered Serge. "Besides, I won't leave

talking!" said Cayrol, beside himse

a bound he was in the middle of the room. Jeanne threw herself before him; she no longer trembled. Ca

ssed it. It is not only money of whi

advanced toward Cayrol, despite

. "My life belongs to you; you can take it. I

t into a fe

plebeian! a rustic! a cowherd! you know th

sight of the heavy fire-dogs. He caught up one with a cry

lover. She stretched out her arms, and with a sharp

to Serge; "he loves me an

ords he uttered a loud cry: "w

rembled. That look which he had loved, would he never see it again? That rosy mouth, whose smile he cherished, would it be hushed in death? A thousand thoughts of happy days came to his mind. His arm f

d with a swollen heart she leaned on the mantelpiece, waiting for the unfortunate ma

ad disa