Marchurst, leaving the dead ashes cold and grey in the dark fireplace, went to his writing table, and falling on his knees he passed the rest of the night in prayer.
Meanwhile, the man who was the primary cause of all this trouble was working in the office of the Pactolus claim with a light heart and cool head. Gaston had really managed to get Kitty away in a very clever manner, inasmuch as he never appeared publicly to be concerned in it, but directed the whole business secretly. He had given Kitty sufficient money to keep her for some months in Melbourne, as he was in doubt when he could leave the Pactolus without being suspected of being concerned in her disappearance. He also told her what day to leave, and all that day stayed at the mine working at his accounts, and afterwards spent the evening very pleasantly with Madame Midas. Next day McIntosh went into Ballarat on business, and on returning from the city, where he had heard all about it — rumour8, of course, magnifying the whole affair greatly — he saw Vandeloup come out of the office, and drew up in the trap beside the young man.
‘Aha, Monsieur,’ said Vandeloup, gaily9, rolling a cigarette in his slender fingers, and shooting a keen glance at Archie; ‘you have had a pleasant day.’
‘Maybe yes, maybe no,’ returned McIntosh, cautiously, fumbling10 in the bag; ‘there’s naething muckle in the toun, but — deil tack11 the bag,’ he continued, tetchily shaking it. ‘I’ve gotten a letter or so fra’ France.’
‘For me?’ cried Vandeloup, eagerly, holding out his hands.
‘An’ for who else would it be?’ grumbled12 Archie, giving the letter to him — a thin, foreign looking envelope with the Parisian post mark on it; ‘did ye think it was for that black-avised freend o’ yours?’
‘Hardly!’ returned Vandeloup, glancing at the letter with satisfaction, and putting it in his pocket. ‘Pierre couldn’t write himself, and I doubt very much if he had any friends who could — not that I knew his friends,’ he said, hastily catching13 sight of McIntosh’s severe face bent14 inquiringly on him, ‘but like always draws to like.’
Archie’s only answer to this was a grunt15.
‘Are ye no gangin’ tae read yon?’ he asked sourly.
‘Not at present,’ replied Vandeloup, blowing a thin wreath of blue smoke, ‘by-and-bye will do. Scandal and oysters16 should both be fresh to be enjoyable, but letters — ah, bah,’ with a shrug17, ‘they can wait. Come, tell me the news; anything going on?’
‘Weel,’ said McIntosh, with great gusto, deliberately18 flicking19 a fly off the horse’s back with a whip, ‘she’s ta’en the bit intil her mouth and gane wrang, as I said she would.’
‘To what special “she” are you alluding20 to?’ asked Vandeloup, lazily smoothing his moustache; ‘so many of them go wrong, you see, one likes to be particular. The lady’s name is —?’
‘Katherine Marchurst, no less,’ burst forth21 Archie, in triumph; ‘she’s rin awa’ to be a play-actor.’
‘What? that child?’ said Vandeloup, with an admirable expression of surprise; ‘nonsense! It cannot be true.’
‘D’ye think I would tell a lee?’ said Archie, wrathfully, glowering22 down on the tall figure pacing leisurely23 along. ‘God forbid that my lips should fa’ tae sic iniquity24. It’s true, I tell ye; the lass has rin awa’ an’ left her faither — a godly mon, tho’ I’m no of his way of thinkin — to curse the day he had sic a bairn born until him. Ah, ’tis sorrow and dule she hath brought tae his roof tree, an’ sorrow and dule wull be her portion at the hands o’ strangers,’ and with this scriptural ending Mr McIntosh sharply whipped up Rory, and went on towards the stable, leaving Vandeloup standing25 in the road.
‘I don’t think he suspects, at all events,’ thought that young man, complacently26. ‘As to Madame Midas — pouf! I can settle her suspicions easily; a little virtuous27 indignation is most effective as a blind;’ and M. Vandeloup, with a gay laugh, strolled on towards the house in the gathering28 twilight29.
Suddenly he recollected30 the letter, which had escaped his thoughts, in his desire to see how McIntosh would take the disappearance of Kitty, so as there was still light to see, he leaned up against a fence, and, having lighted another cigarette, read it through carefully. It appeared to afford him considerable satisfaction, and he smiled as he put it in his pocket again.
‘It seems pretty well forgotten, this trouble about Adele,’ he said, musingly31, as he resumed his saunter; ‘I might be able to go back again in a few years, if not to Paris at least to Europe — one can be very happy in Monaco or Vienna, and run no risk of being found out; and, after all,’ he muttered, thoughtfully, fingering his moustache, ‘why not to Paris? The Republic has lasted too long already. Sooner or later there will be a change of Government, and then I can go back a free man, with a fortune of Australian gold. Emperor, King, or President, it’s all the same to me, as long as I am left alone.’
He walked on slowly, thinking deeply all the time, and when he arrived at the door of Mrs Villiers’ house, this clever young man, with his accustomed promptitude and decision, had settled what he was going to do.
‘Up to a certain point, of course,’ he said aloud, following his thoughts, ‘after that, chance must decide.’
Madame Midas was very much grieved at the news of Kitty’s Escapade, particularly as she could not see what motive32 she had for running away, and, moreover, trembled to think of the temptations the innocent girl would be exposed to in the metropolis33. After tea, when Archie had gone outside to smoke his pipe, and Selina was busy in the kitchen washing the dishes, she spoke34 to Vandeloup on the subject. The young Frenchman was seated at the piano in the darkness, striking a few random35 chords, while Madame was by the fire in the arm-chair. It was quite dark, with only the rosy36 glow of the fire shining through the room. Mrs Villiers felt uneasy; was it likely that Vandeloup could have any connection with Kitty’s disappearance? Impossible! he had given her his word of honour, and yet — it was very strange. Mrs Villiers was not, by any means, a timid woman, so she determined37 to ask Gaston right out, and get a decided38 answer from him, so as to set her mind at rest.
‘M. Vandeloup,’ she said, in her clear voice, ‘will you kindly39 come here a moment?
‘Certainly, Madame,’ said Gaston, rising with alacrity40 from the piano, and coming to the fireside; ‘is there anything I can do?’
‘You have heard of Miss Marchurst’s disappearance?’ she asked, looking up at him.
Vandeloup leaned his elbow on the mantelpiece, and looked down into the fire, so that the full blaze of it could strike his face. He knew Madame Midas prided herself on being a reader of character, and knowing he could command his features admirably, he thought it would be politic41 to let her see his face, and satisfy herself as to his innocence42.
‘Yes, Madame,’ he answered, in his calm, even tones, looking down inquiringly at the statuesque face of the woman addressing him; ‘Monsieur,’ nodding towards the door, ‘told me, but I did not think it true.’
‘I’m afraid it is,’ sighed Madame, shaking her head. ‘She is going on the stage, and her father will never forgive her.’
‘Surely, Madame —’ began Vandeloup, eagerly.
‘No,’ she replied, decisively, ‘he is not a hard man, but his way of looking at things through his peculiar43 religious ideas has warped44 his judgment45 — he will make no attempt to save her, and God knows what she will come to.’
‘There are good women on the stage,’ said Vandeloup, at a loss for a reply.
‘Certainly,’ returned Madame, calmly, ‘there are black and white sheep in every flock, but Kitty is so young and inexperienced, that she may become the prey46 of the first handsome scoundrel she meets.’
Madame had intuitively guessed the whole situation, and Vandeloup could not help admiring her cleverness. Still his face remained the same, and his voice was as steady as ever as he answered —
‘It is much to be regretted; but still we must hope for the best.’
Was he guilty? Madame could not make up her mind, so determined to speak boldly.
‘Do you remember that day I introduced her to you?’
Vandeloup bowed.
‘And you gave me your word of honour you would not try to turn her head,’ pursued Madame, looking at him; ‘have you kept your word?’
‘Madame,’ said Vandeloup, gravely, ‘I give you my word of honour that I have always treated Mlle Kitty as a child and your friend. I did not know that she had gone until I was told, and whatever happens to her, I can safely say that it was not Gaston Vandeloup’s fault.’
An admirable actor this man, not a feature of his face moved, not a single deviation47 from the calmness of his speech — not a quickening of the pulse, nor the rush of betraying blood to his fair face — no! Madame withdrew her eyes quite satisfied, M. Vandeloup was the soul of honour and was innocent of Kitty’s disgrace.
‘Thank God!’ she said, reverently48, as she looked away, for she would have been bitterly disappointed to have found her kindness to this man repaid by base treachery towards her friend; ‘I cannot tell you how relieved I feel.’
M. Vandeloup withdrew his face into the darkness, and smiled in a devilish manner to himself. How these women believed — was there any lie too big for the sex to swallow? Evidently not — at least, so he thought. But now that Kitty was disposed of, he had to attend to his own private affairs, and put his hand in his pocket for the letter.
‘I wanted to speak to you on business, Madame,’ he said, taking out the letter; ‘the long-expected has come at last.’
‘You have heard from Paris?’ asked Madame, in an eager voice.
‘I have,’ answered the Frenchman, calmly; ‘I have now the letter in my hand, and as soon as Mlle Selina brings in the lights I will show it to you.’
At this moment, as if in answer to his request, Selina appeared with the lamp, which she had lighted in the kitchen and now brought in to place on the table. When she did so, and had retired49 again, Vandeloup placed his letter in Madame’s hand, and asked her to read it.
‘Oh, no, Monsieur,’ said Mrs Villiers, offering it back, ‘I do not wish to read your private correspondence.’
Vandeloup had calculated on this, for, as a matter of fact, there was a good deal of private matter in the letter, particularly referring to his trip to New Caledonia, which he would not have allowed her to see. But he knew it would inspire her with confidence in him if he placed it wholly in her hands, and resolved to boldly venture to do so. The result was as he guessed; so, with a smile, he took it back again.
‘There is nothing private in it, Madame,’ he said, opening the letter; ‘I wanted you to see that I had not misrepresented myself — it is from my family lawyer, and he has sent me out a remittance50 of money, also some letters of introduction to my consul51 in Melbourne and others; in fact,’ said M. Vandeloup, with a charming smile, putting the letter in his pocket, ‘it places me in my rightful position, and I shall assume it as soon as I have your permission.’
‘But why my permission?’ asked Madame, with a faint smile, already regretting bitterly that she was going to lose her pleasant companion.
‘Madame,’ said Vandeloup, impressively, bending forward, ‘in the words of the Bible — when I was hungry you gave me food; when I was naked you gave me raiment. You took me on, Madame, an unknown waif, without money, friends, or a character; you believed in me when no one else did; you have been my guardian52 angel: and do you think that I can forget your goodness to me for the last six months? No! Madame,’ rising, ‘I have a heart, and while I live that heart will ever remember you with gratitude53 and love;’ and bending forward he took her hand and kissed it gallantly54.
‘You think too much of what I have done,’ said Madame, who was, nevertheless, pleased at this display of emotion, albeit55, according to her English ideas, it seemed to savour too much of the footlights. ‘I only did to you what I would do to all men. I am glad, in this instance, to find my confidence has not been misplaced; when do you think of leaving us?’
‘In about two or three weeks,’ answered Vandeloup, carelessly, ‘but not till you find another clerk; besides, Madame, do not think you have lost sight of me for ever; I will go down to Melbourne, settle all my affairs, and come up and see you again.’
‘So you say,’ replied Mrs Villiers, sceptically smiling.
‘Well,’ replied M. Vandeloup, with a shrug, ‘we will see — at all events, gratitude is such a rare virtue56 that there is decided novelty in possessing it.’
‘M. Vandeloup,’ said Madame, suddenly, after they had been chatting for a few moments, ‘one thing you must do for me in Melbourne.’
‘I will do anything you wish,’ said Vandeloup, gravely.
‘Then,’ said Madame, earnestly, rising and looking him in the face, ‘you must find Kitty, and send her back to me.’
‘Madame,’ said Vandeloup, solemnly, ‘it will be the purpose of my life to restore her to your arms.’
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1
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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disappearance
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| n.消失，消散，失踪 | |
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loathing
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| n.厌恶，憎恨v.憎恨，厌恶( loathe的现在分词)；极不喜欢 | |
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dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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scorching
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| adj. 灼热的 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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piquant
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| adj.辛辣的，开胃的，令人兴奋的 | |
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rumour
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| n.谣言，谣传，传闻 | |
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gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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fumbling
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| n. 摸索,漏接 v. 摸索,摸弄,笨拙的处理 | |
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tack
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| n.大头钉；假缝，粗缝 | |
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grumbled
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| 抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
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catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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grunt
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| v.嘟哝；作呼噜声；n.呼噜声，嘟哝 | |
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oysters
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| 牡蛎( oyster的名词复数 ) | |
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shrug
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| v.耸肩(表示怀疑、冷漠、不知等) | |
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deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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19
flicking
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| （尤指用手指或手快速地）轻击( flick的现在分词 )； （用…）轻挥； （快速地）按开关； 向…笑了一下（或瞥了一眼等） | |
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alluding
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| 提及，暗指( allude的现在分词 ) | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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glowering
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| v.怒视( glower的现在分词 ) | |
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leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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iniquity
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| n.邪恶；不公正 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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complacently
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| adv. 满足地, 自满地, 沾沾自喜地 | |
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virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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recollected
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| adj.冷静的；镇定的；被回忆起的；沉思默想的v.记起，想起( recollect的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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musingly
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| adv.沉思地，冥想地 | |
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motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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metropolis
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| n.首府；大城市 | |
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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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random
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| adj.随机的；任意的；n.偶然的(或随便的)行动 | |
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rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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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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40
alacrity
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| n.敏捷，轻快，乐意 | |
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41
politic
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| adj.有智虑的；精明的；v.从政 | |
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innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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44
warped
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| adj.反常的；乖戾的；（变）弯曲的；变形的v.弄弯，变歪( warp的过去式和过去分词 )；使（行为等）不合情理，使乖戾， | |
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45
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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46
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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47
deviation
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| n.背离，偏离；偏差，偏向；离题 | |
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48
reverently
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| adv.虔诚地 | |
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49
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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50
remittance
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| n.汇款，寄款，汇兑 | |
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51
consul
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| n.领事；执政官 | |
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52
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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53
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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54
gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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55
albeit
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| conj.即使；纵使；虽然 | |
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56
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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