Book Description

Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER HI. IN SUSPENSE. Pardon, gentlemen; I?how, where is Monsieur the Count ? Thus Landry, when he reentered the studio, and discovered the absence of St. Valerie. The Abb6 was intent upon the statue, and, apparently occupied in settling some nice point of taste, did not reply until the question was repeated. Then slowly, and without looking round: Monsieur the Count just remembered some little affair which demanded instant attention, and has gone to see about it, leaving me to trouble you with my presence till he returns. There was a momentary frown upon Landry's brow. The remembrance was very sudden, he said dryly. Yes, it was sudden. Will he return soon ? Very soon, I believe. Truly, some whim might carry him a long way from here, to the forgetfulness of the friends who await him. But, you see (with a shrug indicative of submission to fate), the memory of gentlemen like Monsieur is very conveniently arranged to suit their pleasure. We poor creatures can only burn our hearts, and wear smiles upon our faces. Well, we have our revenge. Have we ? Yes, in laughing at the giant when his back is toward us?or in throwing pebbles at him when we may hi safety. I understand not. No ? Well, you will some day; meanwhile, let the jest go on. But to your piece?it is a marvel, as I said it would be. Or as you said you would say it was. No, on my honour, I congratulate you upon the achievement of a masterpiece; there is life here in this expression?or, perhaps I should say, soul. There is a character, strong, fierce character, reminding us that Justice is something more than a name; that it is a living, active spirit at work in all men's lives. See, now, here is the balance wherein the truth shall be weighe...