What evidence could possibly suggest conceptions so wild? After
the unlooked-for interview with Carwin in my chamber, he retired.
Could Pleyel have observed his exit? It was not long after that
Pleyel himself entered. Did he build on this incident his odious
conclusions? Could the long series of my actions and sentiments
grant me no exemption from suspicions so foul? Was it not more
rational to infer that Carwin's designs had been illicit? that my
life had been endangered by the fury of one whom, by some means, he
had discovered to be an assassin and robber? that my honor had been
assailed, not by blandishments, but by violence?
He has judged me without hearing. He has drawn from dubious
appearances conclusions the most improbable and unjust. He has
loaded me with all outrageous epithets. He has ranked me with
prostitutes and thieves. I cannot pardon thee, Pleyel, for this
injustice. Thy understanding must be hurt. If it be not,--if thy
conduct was sober and deliberate,--I can never forgive an outrage
so unmanly and so gross.
These thoughts gradually gave place to others.
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