If the noble and beautiful face of the maiden7 had won his eye and enlisted8 his feelings the moment he first beheld9 her in the village churchyard, now, that he had become familiar with her character, his love grew so ardently10 absorbing that the world seemed sad and dead if she were not present to shed the light of her joyous11 spirit upon every thing around him. Neither religion nor poetry could conjure12 up an angel more fascinating than his beloved. Indeed, though God had endowed her person with all those feminine graces that adorned13 the first woman in Paradise, he had also lavished14 on her a heart whose crystalline purity was never clouded, and whose generosity15 burst forth with every emotion like a limpid16 spring.
But in all his interviews, Gustave had never yet been alone with Lenora. When he visited her she never left the apartment where she commonly sat with her father, unless the old gentleman expressed a wish that they should unite in a walk through the garden; and, of course, he had never enjoyed an opportunity to breathe the love that was rising to his lips. Still, he felt that it was altogether useless to express by words what was passing in their hearts; for the kindness, the respect, the affection, that shone in everybody's eyes, betokened17 the feeling which united them in a mingled18 sentiment of attachment19 and hope.
Though Gustave entertained profound veneration20 for Lenora's father and really loved him as a son, there was something which at times came like a cloud betwixt himself and the old gentleman. What he heard outside of Grinselhof of De Vlierbeck's extraordinary avarice21 had been fully22 realized since he became intimate at the house. No one ever offered him a glass of wine or beer; he never received an invitation to dinner or supper; and he frequently observed the trouble that was taken by the master of the house to disguise his inhospitable economy.
Avarice is a passion which excites no other emotion than that of aversion or contempt, because it is natural to believe that when so degrading a vice23 takes possession of one's soul it destroys every spark of generosity and fills it with meanness. Accordingly, Gustave had a long and fearful conflict with himself in order to subdue24 this instinctive25 feeling and to convince his judgment26 that De Vlierbeck's conduct was only a caprice which did not detract from the native dignity of his character. And yet, had the young man known the truth, he would have seen that a pang27 was hidden beneath every smile that flitted over the old man's face, and that the nervous shudders28 which at times shook his frame were the results of a suppressed agony that almost destroyed him. As he gazed on the happy face of Lenora and steeped his soul in the intoxication29 of her love, he never dreamed that her father's life was a prolonged punishment; that, day and night, a terrible future opened its vista30 before him; and that each moment of his existence brought him nearer and nearer to a dreadful catastrophe31. He had not heard the inexorable sentence of the notary:—"Four months more and your bond expires, when all you possess in this world will be sold by the officers of justice to satisfy your creditors32!"
Two of those fatal months had already expired!
If Monsieur De Vlierbeck appeared to encourage the young man's love, it was not alone in consequence of his sympathy with his feelings. No: the dénouement of his painful trial was to be developed within a defined period; and, if it proved inauspicious, there was nothing but dishonor and moral death for himself and child! Destiny was about to decide forever whether he was to come out victorious33 from this ten years' conflict with poverty, or whether he was to fall into the abyss of public contempt! These were the feelings that induced him to conceal34 his true position more carefully than ever, and, while he watched over the lovers like a guardian35 spirit, made him do nothing to check the rapid progress of their passion.
As the time of his uncle's return approached, the two months seemed to Gustave to have flown by like a pleasant dream; and, although he felt sure that his relative would not oppose the union, he foresaw that he would not be allowed hereafter to spend so much of his time away from business. Indeed, the very idea that he might be obliged to pass considerable periods without seeing Lenora made him look for his uncle's return with any thing but delight.
One day he contrived36 to whisper his fears and anticipations37 to Lenora, and, for the first time since their acquaintance, saw tears gathering38 in her eyes. The girl's emotion touched his heart so sensibly that he ventured timidly to take her hand, and held it in his for a long time without uttering a word. De Vlierbeck, who had overheard the remark, tried to comfort him, but his words did not seem to produce the desired effect; and, after a short time, Gustave rose abruptly39 and took leave, though his usual time of departure had not yet arrived. Lenora read in his expression that some sudden revolution had occurred in her lover's mind, for his eyes glistened40 with extraordinary animation42. She strove eagerly to retain him by her side; but he resisted her appeal pleasantly, and declared that nothing should unveil his secret till the following day, when he would return to Grinselhof. De Vlierbeck, however, was more familiar with the world than his daughter; and, imagining that lie had penetrated43 the mystery of Gustave's conduct, many a pleasant dream hovered44 that night around his pillow.
As the usual hour of Gustave's visit approached next day, De Vlierbeck's heart beat high with hope; and when the visitor appeared, clad with unusual neatness and care, the old gentleman welcomed him with more than ordinary warmth. After the compliments of the day had been paid to his ladylove, Gustave expressed a desire for a few moments' conversation with her father, who led him into an adjoining cabinet and seated himself by his side.
Gustave was silent for a moment, as if endeavoring to rally his ideas, and then spoke46 out in a manly47 way:—
"I am about, my dear sir, to speak to you in regard to a matter that concerns my happiness; and, no matter what may be your decision, I am sure, from your kindness upon all occasions, that you will pardon my boldness. I can hardly imagine that the feeling—the irresistible48 feeling—I have entertained for Lenora from the first moment I saw her, has escaped your penetrating49 eye. I ought probably to have asked your consent long ago, before she obtained so complete a dominion50 over my heart; but I have always secretly encouraged the belief that you read my soul and wore not displeased51 with my motives52."
Gustave was silent, awaiting the hoped-for words of encouragement; but De Vlierbeck only looked at him with a gentle smile, and gave no other indication of his pleasure. A motion of the hand, as if he wished the lover to go on with his conversation, was the only sign he made in reply,
Gustave's resolution began to ebb53 at this discouraging by-play; but, summoning all his energy for another attack, he continued:—
"Yes, sir, I have loved Lenora from my first sight of her; but what was then a spark is now a flame. Don't think it is her loveliness alone that bewitched me. She might indeed enchant54 the most insensible of mankind; but I found a far more glorious treasure in the angelic heart of your daughter. Her virtue55, the immaculate purity of her soul, her gentle and magnanimous sentiments,—in a word, the prodigal56 gifts of mind and body which God has lavished on her,—have increased my admiration57 to love, my love to absolute idolatry! How dare I conceal my emotion from you any longer? I cannot live without Lenora; the very thought of even a short temporary separation from her overwhelms me with despair. I long to be with her every day, every hour; I long to hear her voice and read my happiness in her eloquent58 eyes! I know not what may be your decision; but, believe me, if it shall be adverse59 to my hopes, I shall not long survive the blow. If your decree separate, me from my beloved Lenora, life will no longer have a charm for me!"
Gustave uttered his romantic rhapsody—the rhapsody of most lovers—with that genuine emotion which bespoke60 his sincerity61, and touched the heart of De Vlierbeck so deeply that he grasped his hand and implored62 him to be calm.
"Don't tremble so, my young friend," said the old gentleman. "I know very well that you love Lenora, and that she is not insensible to your affection for her. But what have you to propose to me?"
Gustave replied, dejectedly,—"If I still doubt your approval, after all the marks of esteem63 you have given me, it is because I fear you do not consider me worthy64 the happiness I have sought. I have no ancestral tree whose roots are buried in the past; the good deeds of my forefathers65 do not shine in history; the blood that runs in my veins66 comes from a common stock."
"Do you think," said De Vlierbeck, interrupting him, "that I was ignorant of all this from the first day of our acquaintance? No Gustave; no matter what your lineage may be, your own heart is generous and noble; and, had it not been so, I would never have esteemed67 and treated you as my son."
"And so," exclaimed Gustave, catching68 at the last words with a burst of joyous impatience69, "you don't refuse me Lenora's hand?—you will interpose no objection, provided my uncle gives his consent?"
"No," replied De Vlierbeck; "I shall not refuse it to you. On the contrary, it will give me unbounded happiness to intrust the fate of my only child to your keeping. And yet there is an obstacle of which you have no idea."
"An obstacle!" exclaimed Gustave, growing pale;—"an obstacle between Lenora and me?"
"Be silent a moment," said De Vlierbeck, "and listen to the explanation I shall give you. You think, Gustave, I suppose, that Grinselhof and all its dependencies belong to us? It is not so: we are penniless. We are poorer far than the peasant who rents our farming-land and lives yonder at the gate!"
Gustave looked doubtingly at De Vlierbeck, with so incredulous a smile that the poor gentleman blushed, and trembled like an aspen.
"I see you do not believe me," continued he; "I see it in your smile and look. Like the rest of them, you think me a miser70, hiding my wealth and starving my child and myself to amass71 riches,—a wretch72 who sacrifices every thing for money,—a vagabond whom all ought to fear and despise!"
"Oh, pardon me, pardon me, sir!" interrupted Gustave, moved by the excitement of the old man "I think nothing of the kind! My veneration for you is unbounded!"
"Nay73, don't be frightened at my words, young man," continued De Vlierbeck, in a calmer tone. "I make no accusations74 against you, Gustave. I only saw in your incredulous smile that I had succeeded in masking my poverty even from you, and in making you suppose that my economy was avarice. But it is needless for me to give you any further explanation just now. Let it suffice you to know that what I say is strictly75, honestly true. I possess nothing,—nothing!"
"And now," added he, after a moment's silence on both sides, "let me give you a piece of advice. Go home to-day without seeing Lenora; examine your soul calmly, and see whether there are no secret emotions that may make you change your present views; let a night pass, and if, to-morrow, Lenora, poor as you now know her to be, is still dear to you,—if you still think you can be happy with her and can make her happy,—seek your uncle and ask his consent. Here is my hand: if the day shall ever come when I can offer it as a father's, it will be the happiest of my life!"
Although the revelation made by Monsieur De Vlierbeck was astonishing to Gustave, the solemn tone in which he announced it convinced the lover of its truth. He was silent for a moment; but soon a spark of enthusiasm began to glisten41 in his eye and light up his face, as he exclaimed,—
"How can you ask me if I shall continue to love Lenora now that I know her to be poor? It will be happiness enough for me to receive her as a wife, to be bound to her by the eternal bonds of love, to be forever within her reach, and to receive my happiness from her look and voice! What delight it will be for me to protect her and know that I have the privilege of working for her! Palace or hovel; riches or poverty, all are equally indifferent to me, provided her presence animates76 the spot! A night's reflection, Monsieur De Vlierbeck, cannot change my resolution. Grant me Lenora's hand, and I will thank you on my knees for the priceless gift!"
"And suppose I do," replied the old gentleman; "generosity and constancy are natural to the ardent character of youth:—but your uncle?"
"My uncle!" murmured Gustave, with evident grief; "that is true; I need his consent. All I possess or ever shall possess in the world depends on his affection for me. I am the orphan77 son of his brother. He adopted me as his child and has overwhelmed me with kindness. He has the right to decide my lot in life, and I must obey him."
"And do you think that he, a merchant, who probably places a very high value on money, because experience has taught him its value, will say, like you, 'Palace or hovel, poverty or wealth, it makes no difference'?"
"Alas78! I know not, Monsieur De Vlierbeck," said Gustave, droopingly. "But my uncle is so good to me—so extraordinarily79 good—that I may rightly hope for his consent. He will return to-morrow. When I embrace him I will declare all my wishes. I will say my comfort, my happiness, my life, depend on his consent. I know that he loves Lenora sincerely; for, before his departure, he even seemed to encourage my pretensions80 to her hand. Your disclosures will undoubtedly81 surprise him; but my prayers will conquer: believe it!"
Monsieur De Vlierbeck rose, to put an end to the conversation.
"Well, ask your uncle's consent," said he; "and, if your hopes are realized, let him come here and consult about the marriage. Whatever may be the issue of this affair, Gustave, you at least have always behaved toward us with the delicacy82 of a generous youth. My esteem and friendship shall always be yours. Go now; quit Grinselhof this time without seeing Lenora, for you ought not to meet her until this affair is settled. I will tell her myself whatever I think proper for her to know."
Half pleased, half sad,—his heart divided between joy and anxiety,—Gustave bade farewell to Lenora's father and returned to Echelpoel.
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1
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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dispelled
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| v.驱散，赶跑( dispel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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scruples
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| n.良心上的不安( scruple的名词复数 )；顾虑，顾忌v.感到于心不安，有顾忌( scruple的第三人称单数 ) | |
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ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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5
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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betrothed
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| n. 已订婚者 动词betroth的过去式和过去分词 | |
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7
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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8
enlisted
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| adj.应募入伍的v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
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9
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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10
ardently
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| adv.热心地，热烈地 | |
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joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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12
conjure
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| v.恳求，祈求；变魔术，变戏法 | |
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13
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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14
lavished
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| v.过分给予，滥施( lavish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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15
generosity
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| n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为 | |
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limpid
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| adj.清澈的，透明的 | |
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betokened
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| v.预示，表示( betoken的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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18
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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attachment
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| n.附属物，附件；依恋；依附 | |
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veneration
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| n.尊敬，崇拜 | |
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avarice
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| n.贪婪；贪心 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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23
vice
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| n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的 | |
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subdue
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| vt.制服，使顺从，征服；抑制，克制 | |
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instinctive
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| adj.(出于)本能的；直觉的；(出于)天性的 | |
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judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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28
shudders
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| n.颤动，打颤，战栗( shudder的名词复数 )v.战栗( shudder的第三人称单数 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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intoxication
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| n.wild excitement;drunkenness；poisoning | |
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vista
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| n.远景，深景，展望，回想 | |
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catastrophe
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| n.大灾难，大祸 | |
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creditors
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| n.债权人，债主( creditor的名词复数 ) | |
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victorious
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| adj.胜利的，得胜的 | |
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conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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anticipations
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| 预期( anticipation的名词复数 )； 预测； （信托财产收益的）预支； 预期的事物 | |
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gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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glistened
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| v.湿物闪耀，闪亮( glisten的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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41
glisten
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| vi.（光洁或湿润表面等）闪闪发光，闪闪发亮 | |
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42
animation
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| n.活泼，兴奋，卡通片／动画片的制作 | |
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43
penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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44
hovered
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| 鸟( hover的过去式和过去分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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45
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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46
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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47
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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48
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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49
penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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50
dominion
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| n.统治，管辖，支配权；领土，版图 | |
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51
displeased
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| a.不快的 | |
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52
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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53
ebb
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| vi.衰退，减退；n.处于低潮，处于衰退状态 | |
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54
enchant
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| vt.使陶醉，使入迷；使着魔，用妖术迷惑 | |
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55
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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56
prodigal
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| adj.浪费的，挥霍的，放荡的 | |
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57
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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58
eloquent
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| adj.雄辩的，口才流利的；明白显示出的 | |
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59
adverse
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| adj.不利的；有害的；敌对的，不友好的 | |
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60
bespoke
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| adj.（产品）订做的；专做订货的v.预定( bespeak的过去式 )；订（货）；证明；预先请求 | |
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61
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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62
implored
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| 恳求或乞求（某人）( implore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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63
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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64
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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65
forefathers
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| n.祖先，先人；祖先，祖宗( forefather的名词复数 )；列祖列宗；前人 | |
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66
veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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67
esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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68
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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69
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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70
miser
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| n.守财奴，吝啬鬼 (adj.miserly) | |
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amass
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| vt.积累，积聚 | |
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wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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73
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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74
accusations
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| n.指责( accusation的名词复数 )；指控；控告；（被告发、控告的）罪名 | |
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75
strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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76
animates
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| v.使有生气( animate的第三人称单数 )；驱动；使栩栩如生地动作；赋予…以生命 | |
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77
orphan
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| n.孤儿；adj.无父母的 | |
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78
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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79
extraordinarily
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| adv.格外地；极端地 | |
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80
pretensions
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| 自称( pretension的名词复数 )； 自命不凡； 要求； 权力 | |
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81
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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82
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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