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

qualities was destroyed. He felt it himself, and often cursedthe silver of San Tome. His courage, his magnificence, hisleisure, his work, everything was as before, only everythingwas a sham. But the treasure was real. He clung to it witha more tenacious, mental grip. But he hated the feel of theingots. Sometimes, after putting away a couple of them inhis cabin—the fruit of a secret night expedition to the GreatIsabel—he would look fixedly at his fingers, as if surprisedthey had left no stain on his skin.He had found means of disposing of the silver bars in distantports. The necessity to go far afield made his coastingvoyages long, and caused his visits to the Viola householdto be rare and far between. He was fated to have his wifefrom there. He had said so once to Giorgio himself. But theGaribaldino had put the subject aside with a majestic waveof his hand, clutching a smouldering black briar-root pipe.There was plenty of time; he was not the man to force hisgirls upon anybody.As time went on, Nostromo discovered his preference forthe younger of the two. They had some profound similaritiesof nature, which must exist for complete confidenceand understanding, no matter what outward differences oftemperament there may be to exercise their own fascinationof contrast. His wife would have to know his secret orelse life would be impossible. He was attracted by Giselle,with her candid gaze and white throat, pliable, silent, fondof excitement under her quiet indolence; whereas Linda,with her intense, passionately pale face, energetic, all fireand words, touched with gloom and scorn, a chip of the