第112章

"Believe me, Agricola," said the other sadly, "I would never counsel what could possibly lower you in the eyes of any one, and above all--do you understand?--above all, in the eyes of this young lady.I do not propose that you should ask money from her; but only that she should give surety for you, in order that you may have the liberty of continuing at your employment, so that the family may not be without resources.Believe me, Agricola, that such a request is in no respect inconsistent with what is noble and becoming upon your part.The heart of the young lady is generous.She will comprehend your position.The required surety will be as nothing to her; while to you it will be everything, and will even be the very life to those who depend upon you."

"You are right, my good sister," said Agricola, with sadness and dejection."It is perhaps worth while to risk taking this step.If the young lady consent to render me this service, and if giving surety will indeed preserve me from prison, I shall be prepared for every event.But no, no!" added he, rising, "I'd never dare to make the request to her!

What right have I to do so? What is the insignificant service that I rendered her, when compared with that which I should solicit from her?"

"Do you imagine then, Agricola, that a generous spirit measures the services which ought to be rendered, by those previously received? Trust to me respecting a matter which is an affair of the heart.I am, it is true, but a lowly creature, and ought not to compare myself with any other person.I am nothing, and I can do nothing.Nevertheless, I am sure--yes, Agricola, I am sure--that this young lady, who is so very far above me, will experience the same feelings that I do in this affair;

yes, like me, she will at once comprehend that your position is a cruel one; and she will do with joy, with happiness, with thankfulness, that which I would do, if, alas! I could do anything more than uselessly consume myself with regrets."

In spite of herself, she pronounced the last words with an expression so heart-breaking--there was something so moving in the comparison which this unfortunate creature, obscure and disdained, infirm and miserable, made of herself with Adrienne de Cardoville, the very type of resplendent youth, beauty, and opulence--that Agricola was moved even to tears; and, holding out one of his hands to the speaker, he said to her, tenderly, "How very good you are; how full of nobleness, good feeling, and delicacy!"

"Unhappily," said the weeping girl, "I can do nothing more than advise."

"And your counsels shall be followed out, my sister dear.They are those of a soul the most elevated I have ever known.Yes, you have won me over into making this experiment, by persuading me that the heart of Miss de Cardoville is perhaps equal in value to your own!"