Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Masons Of The Middle Ages.
" But what are to be the means ? " inquired the young girl . " Sabina , " said Polydore , —but this time he spoke Avith a firmer voice , ancl yet with evident emotion , — " Sabina , I have sometimes hoped that the day might arrive Avhen i might become your husband . " Bernhard gave a convulsive startbut Jean restrained him .
, "If you consent to this union , of which I have fondly dreamed , " continued the Boulognais , "I Avould sacrifice everything ; I will joyfully abandon all the glory which my work promises to my name , and I will consider myself too Avell paid for this renouncement , by the happiness of an union with yourself . "
A profound silence followed this declaration of love . Polydore , Jean , Bemhard—all three , their eyes fixed upon Sabina , awaited her decision with Avidely different feelings . " Your proposition , " at length the young girl replied , " is kind and generous ; but yet it might have had one greater advantage—and I should have preferred it far more , had it
been without conditions ; as it is , I cannot accept it . The name of Erwin shall perish with him , or his children shall owe to themselves , and to themselves alone , the glory of succeeding him God is all-poAverful ; He does Avhat He will ; His will be done . ' .... If you triumph , Ave shall feel no ill-will toAvards you ; Ave can admire your Avorkand applaud your
, success . If , on the other hand , we are successful , rest assured we shall ahvays remember your proposition Avith gratitude , and will not forget that for once you have been kind , and shoAvn yourself devoted to our interests . "
Whilst Sabina thus spoke , Polydore bit his lips , and in vain attempted to appear -unembarrassed . When she had finished , he bowed to her with an ironical smile , and casting a look of mingled rage and hatred at Jean and Bernhard , opened the door and disappeared . Bernhard felt greatly relieved at his departure . He advanced
towards Sabina , as if to thank her for having so nobly repulsed the advances of his rival ; but the young girl held out her hand , and before he had time to speak , said , — "Bernhard , I would be alone . This proceeding of the Boulognais has much agitated me . It behoves us to employ the time that yet remains to us in worlc and study . Go
, my friend , and this night pray that God will not abandon us . Ours is a common cause , and you knoiv that I have never forgotten you in the joys reserved for our triumph . " Then turning toAvards Jean , Avhom Polydore ' s departure had
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Masons Of The Middle Ages.
" But what are to be the means ? " inquired the young girl . " Sabina , " said Polydore , —but this time he spoke Avith a firmer voice , ancl yet with evident emotion , — " Sabina , I have sometimes hoped that the day might arrive Avhen i might become your husband . " Bernhard gave a convulsive startbut Jean restrained him .
, "If you consent to this union , of which I have fondly dreamed , " continued the Boulognais , "I Avould sacrifice everything ; I will joyfully abandon all the glory which my work promises to my name , and I will consider myself too Avell paid for this renouncement , by the happiness of an union with yourself . "
A profound silence followed this declaration of love . Polydore , Jean , Bemhard—all three , their eyes fixed upon Sabina , awaited her decision with Avidely different feelings . " Your proposition , " at length the young girl replied , " is kind and generous ; but yet it might have had one greater advantage—and I should have preferred it far more , had it
been without conditions ; as it is , I cannot accept it . The name of Erwin shall perish with him , or his children shall owe to themselves , and to themselves alone , the glory of succeeding him God is all-poAverful ; He does Avhat He will ; His will be done . ' .... If you triumph , Ave shall feel no ill-will toAvards you ; Ave can admire your Avorkand applaud your
, success . If , on the other hand , we are successful , rest assured we shall ahvays remember your proposition Avith gratitude , and will not forget that for once you have been kind , and shoAvn yourself devoted to our interests . "
Whilst Sabina thus spoke , Polydore bit his lips , and in vain attempted to appear -unembarrassed . When she had finished , he bowed to her with an ironical smile , and casting a look of mingled rage and hatred at Jean and Bernhard , opened the door and disappeared . Bernhard felt greatly relieved at his departure . He advanced
towards Sabina , as if to thank her for having so nobly repulsed the advances of his rival ; but the young girl held out her hand , and before he had time to speak , said , — "Bernhard , I would be alone . This proceeding of the Boulognais has much agitated me . It behoves us to employ the time that yet remains to us in worlc and study . Go
, my friend , and this night pray that God will not abandon us . Ours is a common cause , and you knoiv that I have never forgotten you in the joys reserved for our triumph . " Then turning toAvards Jean , Avhom Polydore ' s departure had