So long as I have not FOUND I am a miserable
wretch. I will go away from here. I cannot see Van Claes sold," he
went on, pointing to the martyr's portrait. "He died for Liberty, I
die for Science; he is venerated, I am hated."
"Hated? oh, my father, no," she cried, throwing herself on his breast;
"we all adore you. Do we not, Felicie?" she said, turning to her
sister who came in at the moment.
"What is the matter, dear father?" said his youngest daughter, taking
his hand.
"I have ruined you."
"Ah!" cried Felicie, "but our brothers will make our fortune. Jean is
always at the head of his class."
"See, father," said Marguerite, leading Balthazar in a coaxing, filial
way to the chimney-piece and taking some papers from beneath the
clock, "here are your notes of hand; but do not sign any more, there
is nothing left to pay them with--"
"Then you have money?" whispered Balthazar in her ear, when he
recovered from his surprise.
His words and manner tortured the heroic girl; she saw the delirium of
joy and hope in her father's face as he looked about him to discover
the gold.
"Father," she said, "I have my own fortune."
"Give it to me," he said with a rapacious gesture; "I will return you
a hundred-fold."
"Yes, I will give it to you," answered Marguerite, looking gravely at
Balthazar, who did not know the meaning she put into her words.
"Ah, my dear daughter!" he cried, "you save my life.
Pages:
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209