"
"Do you think you will succeed?" I asked, sadly; for I felt a nervous
certainty that the pain the interview must cost him would be unavailing.
"I can not tell," he answered, firmly; "but Foster says, and I know,
that it is my duty to try. You may be present, if you like, on one
condition--you must promise, whatever he may say or do, not to interfere
by a look or a word."
I did promise; but I looked forward with dread to Brandon's coming. In
an hour's time he was announced.
It was the first time I had seen him; and I was much struck by the
mingled expression of suffering and ferocity that sat, like a mask, on
his worn dark face. I have seen its like but once--in a dangerous
maniac's. He walked straight up to Guy's couch without noticing me, and
stood there silent, glaring down on the sick man with his fiery black
eyes.
"It is very good of you to come," Guy said; "I scarcely hoped you
would. I have wronged you, more deeply than any living man--so deeply
that I could never have dared to ask your forgiveness if I had not been
very near my death. Can you give me your hand? Indeed, indeed, I have
repented sorely."
Brandon's hoarse tones broke in:
"I came, because, years ago, to see this sight, to see you lying there
like a crushed worm, I would have sold my soul.
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