Ностромо

           TherewasagreatfundofloyaltyinDr.Monygham’snature.HehadsettleditallonMrs.Gould’shead.Hebelievedherworthyofeverydevotion.AtthebottomofhishearthefeltanangryuneasinessbeforetheprosperityoftheSanTomemine,becauseitsgrowthwasrobbingherofallpeaceofmind.Costaguanawasnoplaceforawomanofthatkind.WhatcouldCharlesGouldhavebeenthinkingofwhenhebroughtheroutthere!Itwasoutrageous!Andthedoctorhadwatchedthecourseofeventswithagrimanddistantreservewhich,heimagined,hislamentablehistoryimposeduponhim.

           LoyaltytoMrs.Gouldcouldnot,however,leaveoutofaccountthesafetyofherhusband.ThedoctorhadcontrivedtobeintownatthecriticaltimebecausehemistrustedCharlesGould.Heconsideredhimhopelesslyinfectedwiththemadnessofrevolutions.Thatiswhyhehobbledindistressinthedrawing-roomoftheCasaGouldonthatmorning,exclaiming,“Decoud,Decoud!”inatoneofmournfulirritation.

           Mrs.Gould,hercolourheightened,andwithglisteningeyes,lookedstraightbeforeheratthesuddenenormityofthatdisaster.Thefinger-tipsononehandrestedlightlyonalowlittletablebyherside,andthearmtrembledrightuptotheshoulder.