22
Samh 10.29.1342 18:00
Geodor and Diatter walked slowly in the direction chosen by the latter.
"Our acquaintance has been so brief that I feel much hesitation in asking something of your history,” Geodor finally said. “If I do not offend you, pray tell me why you were so reluctant to leave an employment which is evidently injuring you?”
“Oh, that is a very simple matter,” replied Diatter, endeavoring to be calm. “I have a mother and only sister depending upon my salary—which is only seventy thousand-notes—but we manage it with great economy. Some months ago, I felt my health breaking down from such intense application to my work, and I requested permission to resign, trusting to Providence for another situation once I had recovered.”
"And was it granted?"
“Oh no! On the contrary, I was told that it was impossible for me to leave until another was secured in my place. No one has applied until you came to day."
“But when I applied today, you seemed to hope that I was refused—I saw it in your countenance. This is what I wished to understand."
“I am very selfish—I acknowledge it. The thought of those loved ones at home without money, without resources, lay heavy upon my heart. I know that I must die—that nothing that can save me now. I might have lived, but now it is too late. Therefore, I had resolved to work until the last.”
"Brave heart!" exclaimed De Montfort. "I am sad that it is I who have prevented the accomplishment of this heroic resolution. But in return for that, I ought to be of some service to you. Please, give me a moment to reflect."
At this moment, they arrived before a large uncomfortable looking apartment building at which Diatter paused.
“This is my home, sir,” he wheezed. “If you have more to say to me, will you come in? I am much too fatigued to walk farther."
Geodor readily accepted the invitation. The pneumo-lifts were out of order, so they ascended the two flights of stairs during which Diatter often had to pause. Halfway down the hallway, they entered a low small room and were received by a matron of about fifty years and a little girl of twelve, the mother and sister of Diatter.
Geodor expressed great sympathy for his new friend and assured him that he would do everything in his power to assist him and his family. He invited them to make his cottage their future residence, where he would send a physician to attend upon Herolam Diatter until he recovered. This offer was gratefully accepted.
Mrs. Diatter profusely thanked Geodor for his kindness, both to herself and her son and daughter. After which, he excused himself to prepare for his new occupation, walking with a spring in his step from being able to help those dear souls.
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