He used up that feeling in the
days when he had not wherewith to pay for his dinner. No matter how
great his fortune may be in the days to come, he has already paid too
dearly for it. For him future success is only a kind of revenge.
Less than thirty-five years old, he is already sick of the world, and
believes in nothing. Under the appearance of universal benevolence he
conceals universal scorn. His finesse, sharpened by the grindstone
of adversity, has become mischievous. And, while he sees through all
disguises worn by others, he hides his penetration carefully under a
mask of cheerful good nature and jovialness. But he is kind, he loves
his friends, and is devoted to them.
He arrived, hardly dressed, so great had been his haste. His first words
on entering were, "What is the matter?"
Noel pressed his hand in silence, and by way of answer, pointed to the
bed. In less than a minute, the doctor seized the lamp, examined the
sick woman, and returned to his friend. "What has happened?" he asked
sharply. "It is necessary I should know."
The advocate started at the question. "Know what?" stammered he.
"Everything!" answered Herve.
Pages:
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156