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

the man had condescended to do so much for those whoreally wanted his help. It was a proof of his friendship. Hervoice become stronger.‘I want a priest more than a doctor,’ she said, pathetically.She did not move her head; only her eyes ran into the cornersto watch the Capataz standing by the side of her bed.‘Would you go to fetch a priest for me now? Think! A dyingwoman asks you!’Nostromo shook his head resolutely. He did not believein priests in their sacerdotal character. A doctor was anefficacious person; but a priest, as priest, was nothing, incapableof doing either good or harm. Nostromo did not evendislike the sight of them as old Giorgio did. The utter uselessnessof the errand was what struck him most.‘Padrona,’ he said, ‘you have been like this before, and gotbetter after a few days. I have given you already the very lastmoments I can spare. Ask Senora Gould to send you one.’He was feeling uneasy at the impiety of this refusal. ThePadrona believed in priests, and confessed herself to them.But all women did that. It could not be of much consequence.And yet his heart felt oppressed for a moment—atthe thought what absolution would mean to her if she believedin it only ever so little. No matter. It was quite truethat he had given her already the very last moment he couldspare.‘You refuse to go?’ she gasped. ‘Ah! you are always yourself,indeed.’‘Listen to reason, Padrona,’ he said. ‘I am needed to savethe silver of the mine. Do you hear? A greater treasure than