That day Gilbert passed an entire hour at his window.It was not the Rhine which fixed his attention, nor the precipice, the mountains nor the clouds.The narrow space within which he confined his gaze was bounded on the west by the great square tower, on the south by a gable, on the north by a spout; I mean to say that the object of his contemplations was a very irregular, very undulating roof, or to speak more accurately, two adjacent and parallel roofs, one higher than the other by twelve feet, and both inclining by a steep slope towards a frightful precipice.
As he closed the window, he said to himself:
"After all, it is less difficult than I thought; two rope ladders will do the business, with God's help!"M.Leminof finding himself too much indisposed to leave his room, Gilbert dined alone in his turret; after which he went out for a walk on the borders of the Rhine.As he left the path for the main road, he saw Stephane and Ivan within twenty paces of him.
Perceiving him, the young man made an angry gesture, and turning his face, started his horse off at full speed.Gilbert had scarcely time to leap into the ditch to avoid being run down.As Ivan passed, he looked at him sadly, shook his head, and carried his finger to his forehead, as if to say: "You must pardon him; his poor mind is very sick." Gilbert returned to the castle without delay, and as he reached the entrance to the terrace, he saw the serf leaning against one of the doors, where he seemed to be on guard.
"My dear Ivan," said he, "you appear to be waiting for someone.""I heard you coming," answered he, "and I took you for Vladimir Paulitch.It was the sound of your step which deceived me; you haven't such a measured step generally.""You are a keen observer," replied Gilbert smiling; "but who, Ipray, is this Vladimir Paulitch?"
"He is a physician from my country.He will remain two months with us.The barine wrote to him a fortnight since, when he felt that he was going to be ill; Vladimir Paulitch left immediately, and day before yesterday he wrote from Berlin, that he would be here this evening.This Vladimir is a physician who hasn't his equal.I am waiting for him to arrive.""Tell me, good Ivan, is your young master in the garden?""He is down there under the weeping ash."
"Very well, you must permit me to speak to him a moment.You will even extend the obligation by saying nothing about it to Kostia Petrovitch.You know he cannot see us, for he keeps his bed now, and even if he should rise, his windows open on the inner court."Ivan's brow contracted."Impossible, impossible!" he murmured.
"Impossible? Why? Because you will not?
"Ivan, my good Ivan, it is absolutely necessary for me to speak to your young master.I have made him submit to a humiliation against my will.He mistakes my sentiments and credits me with the blackest intentions, and it will be torture to him in future to be condemned to sit at the same table with me daily.Let me explain myself to him.In two words I will make him understand who I am, and I wish him no harm."The discussion was prolonged some minutes, Ivan finally yielding, but on the condition that Gilbert should not put his good will to the proof a second time."Otherwise," said Ivan, "if you still attempt to talk with him secretly, I cannot permit him to go out, and, of course, he could only blame you, and would then have the right to consider you an enemy."Upon his side, the serf promised that the Count should know nothing of the interview.
"Recollect, brother," continued he, "that this is the last improper favor that you will obtain from me.You are a man of heart, but sometimes I should say that YOU HAD BEEN EATING BELLADONNA."Stephane had left the circular bank where he had been sitting, and stood, with his back against the parapet of the terrace, his arms hanging dejectedly, and his head sunk upon his breast.His reverie was so profound that Gilbert approached within ten steps of him without being perceived; but suddenly rousing himself, he raised his head quickly, and stamped his foot imperiously.
"Go away!" cried he, "go away, or I will set Vorace on you!"Vorace was the name of the bulldog that kept him company at night, and was crouching in the grass some paces distant.Of all the watchdogs of the castle, this one was the strongest and most ferocious.
"You see," said Ivan, retaining Gilbert by the arm, "you have nothing to do here."Gilbert gently disengaged himself and continued to advance.
"Get out of my sight," screamed Stephane."Why do you come to trouble my solitude? Who gives you the right to pursue me, to track me? How dare you look me in the face after--"He could say no more.Excitement and anger choked his voice.For some moments he looked alternately at Gilbert and the dog; then changing his purpose, he moved as if to fly, but Gilbert barred the way.
"Listen to me but a minute," said he in a gentle and penetrating voice, "I bring you good news.""You!" exclaimed Stephane, and he repeated, "You! you! good news!""I!" said Gilbert, "for I come to announce to you my near departure."Stephane stared with wide-open eyes, and recoiled slowly to the wall, where, leaning back again, he exclaimed:
