His quiet manner, his icy
tones, his automatic gestures betrayed one of those cold rages which
endure so long as the man lives.
He took good care to make himself understood, for between his teeth he
added:
"Undoubtedly, these people are very high, and I am very low; but when
a tiny worm fastens itself to the roots of a giant oak, that tree is
doomed."
Marie-Anne knew all too well the uselessness of prayers and entreaties.
And yet she could not, she must not allow her brother to depart in this
mood.
She fell upon her knees, and with clasped hands and supplicating voice:
"Jean," said she, "I implore you to renounce these projects. In the name
of our mother, return to your better self. These are crimes which you
are meditating!"
With a glance of scorn and a shrug of the shoulders, he replied:
"Have done with this. I was wrong to confide my hopes to you. Do not
make me regret that I came here."
Then the sister tried another plan. She rose, forced her lips to smile,
and as if nothing unpleasant had passed between them, she begged Jean to
remain with her that evening, at least, and share her frugal supper.
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