The mental suffering produced by the
sudden change from pleasure to pain in all his thoughts, reacted
on him physically. He felt as if he were stifling in the air of
the cottage, in the presence of his father; and when Perrine
hurried on her walking attire, and with a face which alternately
flushed and turned pale with every moment, approached the door,
he went out with her as hastily as if he had been flying from his
home. Never had the fresh air and the free daylight felt like
heavenly and guardian influences to him until now!
He could comfort Perrine under his father's harshness, he could
assure her of his own affection, which no earthly influence could
change, while they walked together toward the farmhouse; but he
could do no more. He durst not confide to her the subject that
was uppermost in his mind; of all human beings she was the last
to whom he could reveal the terrible secret that was festering at
his heart. As soon as they got within sight of the farmhouse,
Gabriel stopped; and, promising to see her again soon, took leave
of Perrine with assumed ease in his manner and with real despair
in his heart. Whatever the poor girl might think of it, he felt,
at that moment, that he had not courage to face her father, and
hear him talk happily and pleasantly, as his custom was, of
Perrine's approaching marriage.
Left to himself, Gabriel wandered hither and thither over the
open heath, neither knowing nor caring in what direction he
turned his steps.
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