“How is Mrs. Brian to you?”
“She always takes sides against me.”
“Naturally. And Sir Thorn?”
“You wrote me that I should mistrust him particularly, and so I do; but,
I must confess, he alone seems to be touched by my misfortunes.”
“Ah! that is the very reason why you ought to fear him.”
“How so?”
M. de Brevan hesitated, and then answered, speaking very rapidly, and
after having looked around cautiously,--
“Because M. Elgin might very well cherish a hope of replacing Daniel in
your heart, and of becoming your husband.”
“Great God!” exclaimed Henrietta, sinking back in her chair with an
expression of horror. “Is it possible?”
“I am quite sure of it,” replied M. Brevan.
And, as if he had been frightened himself by what he had said, he
added,--
“Yes, I am quite sure. I have read the heart of that man; and before
long you will have some terrible evidence of his intentions. But I pray,
madam, let this remain a secret between us, to be kept religiously.
Never allow yourself the slightest allusion.”
“What can I do?” murmured the poor girl, “what can I do? You alone, sir,
can advise me.”
For some time M. de Brevan continued silent; then he said in a very sad
voice,--
“My experience, madam, supplies me with but one advice,--be patient; say
little; do as little as possible; and endeavor to appear insensible to
their insults. I would say to you, if you will excuse the triviality
of the comparison, imitate those feeble insects who simulate death when
they are touched. They are defenceless; and that is their only chance of
escape.”