Запретный лес
XIX. The Sacrifice
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Davidreturnedtothemanse,andundertheinfluenceofIsobel’scheerfulnessfellasleepinhischairandslepttillthelateafternoon.Heawokefreshenedinbody,butwithanewalarmathisheart.Isobelhadsaidtherewasnofever,butthatmeantthatshedreadedfever....Bythistimeitmighthavecome.EvennowKatrinemightbedelirious....Herealizedhowswiftlyduringthepestfeverhadsucceededlistlessness.
Neverthelessthehoursofsleephadgivenhimagreaterpowerofself-control,andhecurbedhisinstincttorideforthwithtoCalidon.Hewanderedthroughthehouseandoutintotheglebe,strivingtofixhismindonsmallandhomelythings.ItwasthethirddayofApril,buttherewasnosignofspring.Thedislocationoftheseasonshadgiventheearthanautumnalair,fortheshoalsoffallenleaveslayasifitwereNovember,andthefrostshadnotbleachedtheherbage.Herememberedhowayearagoatthistimehehadwanderedonthehillsandfeltwithjoythestirringsofnewlife.To-daytheworldwasstillclampedinbonds,anddeathwasinthebaretreesandtheleadensky.Whathadbecomeofhishighhopes?Allgonesaveone--andthatthedearest.AyearagohehadhadnothoughtofKatrineandhadbeenhappyinotherthings.Nowthesehadbeenturnedintoashes,buthehadgotKatrineintheirstead.Ifsheweretogo--?Thethoughtsochilledhisheartthathefledindoors,asifinthehousehecouldbarricadehimselfagainstit.
Inhisstudyheturnedoverhisbooks.Hetriedtopray,butsetprayerwasidle,foreverybreathhedrewhadbecomeanimpassionedsupplication.
