Nostromo - A Tale of the Seaboard.pdf - Planet eBook

plenty of time to run away.’The slight, protesting murmur on the part of Mrs. Gouldmade him pause for a moment, while he looked at her witha sombre and resolute glance.‘Ah, but I would, Mrs. Gould. I would run away if itserved that which at present is my only desire. I am courageousenough to say that, and to do it, too. But women, evenour women, are idealists. It is Antonia that won’t run away.A novel sort of vanity.’‘You call it vanity,’ said Mrs. Gould, in a shocked voice.‘Say pride, then, which. Father Corbelan would tell you,is a mortal sin. But I am not proud. I am simply too muchin love to run away. At the same time I want to live. There isno love for a dead man. Therefore it is necessary that Sulacoshould not recognize the victorious Montero.’‘And you think my husband will give you his support?’‘I think he can be drawn into it, like all idealists, when heonce sees a sentimental basis for his action. But I wouldn’ttalk to him. Mere clear facts won’t appeal to his sentiment.It is much better for him to convince himself in his ownway. And, frankly, I could not, perhaps, just now pay sufficientrespect to either his motives or even, perhaps, to yours,Mrs. Gould.’It was evident that Mrs. Gould was very determined notto be offended. She smiled vaguely, while she seemed tothink the matter over. As far as she could judge from thegirl’s half-confidences, Antonia understood that youngman. Obviously there was promise of safety in his plan, orrather in his idea. Moreover, right or wrong, the idea could