Кармілла
A Guest
Theladyclaspedherhandsandlookedupward,asifinamomentarytransportofgratitude;butimmediatelyshebrokeoutagaininthattheatricalwaywhichis,Ibelieve,naturaltosomepeople.
Shewaswhatiscalledafinelookingwomanforhertimeoflife,andmusthavebeenhandsome;shewastall,butnotthin,anddressedinblackvelvet,andlookedratherpale,butwithaproudandcommandingcountenance,thoughnowagitatedstrangely.
"Whowaseverbeingsoborntocalamity?"Iheardhersay,withclaspedhands,asIcameup."HereamI,onajourneyoflifeanddeath,inprosecutingwhichtoloseanhourispossiblytoloseall.Mychildwillnothaverecoveredsufficientlytoresumeherrouteforwhocansayhowlong.Imustleaveher:Icannot,darenot,delay.Howfaron,sir,canyoutell,isthenearestvillage?Imustleaveherthere;andshallnotseemydarling,orevenhearofhertillmyreturn,threemonthshence."
Ipluckedmyfatherbythecoat,andwhisperedearnestlyinhisear:"Oh!papa,prayaskhertoletherstaywithus—itwouldbesodelightful.Do,pray."
"IfMadamewillentrustherchildtothecareofmydaughter,andofhergoodgouvernante,MadamePerrodon,andpermithertoremainasourguest,undermycharge,untilherreturn,itwillconferadistinctionandanobligationuponus,andweshalltreatherwithallthecareanddevotionwhichsosacredatrustdeserves."
"Icannotdothat,sir,itwouldbetotaskyourkindnessandchivalrytoocruelly,"saidthelady,distractedly.
