"For the love of God, if you do not wish me to die of rage, give me back,--give me back--"He could not finish; but Gilbert had already run to the ditch, and having picked up the riding-whip, as well as the glove, returned them to him.Stephane, without looking at him, answered by a slight inclination of the head, but kept his eyes fixed upon the pommel of his saddle,--evidently striving to recover his self-possession.Gilbert, pitying his state of mind, turned to leave;but at the moment he stooped to pick up his portmanteau and cane, the youth, with a well-directed blow of his whip, struck off his hat, which rolled into the ditch, and when Gilbert, surprised and indignant, was about to throw himself upon the young traitor, he had already pushed his horse to a full gallop, and in the twinkling of an eye he reached the main road, where he disappeared in a whirlwind of dust.Gilbert was much more affected by this adventure than his philosophy should have permitted.He took up his journey again with a feeling of depression, and haunted by the pale, distorted face of the youth."This excess of despair," said he to himself, "indicates a proud and passionate character; but the perfidy with which he repaid my generosity is the offspring of a soul ignoble and depraved." And striking his forehead, he continued: "It just occurs to me, judging from his name, that this young man may be Count Kostia's son.Ah! what an amiable companion I shall have to cheer my captivity! M.Leminof ought to have forewarned me.It was an article which should have been included in the contract."Gilbert felt his heart sink; he saw himself already condemned to defend his dignity incessantly against the caprices and insolence of a badly-trained child,--the prospect was not attractive!
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