Saturday, January 4, 2025

The Viscount of La Soutain (22)

22

Samh 10.29.1342 18:00

 

Geodor, in his De Montfort disguise, and Diatter slowly walked in the direction chosen by the latter.

“Our acquaintance has been so brief that I hesitate to ask you about your history,” Geodor finally said. “If it doesn’t offend you, please tell me why you were so reluctant to leave an employment that is evidently injuring you?”

“Oh, that’s 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 I could find another situation once I had recovered.”

“And was it granted?”

“Oh, no! On the contrary, the lieutenant said that it was impossible for me to leave until another took my place. No one applied until you came today.”

“But when I applied, you seemed to hope that the lieutenant would refuse to hire me—I saw it in your countenance. This behavior seems paradoxical.”

“I’m very selfish—I acknowledge it. The thought of my loved ones at home without money—without any resources—lay heavily upon my heart. I know that I must die—nothing that can save me now. I might have lived, but now it is too late. Therefore, I decided to work until the last.”

“Brave heart!” exclaimed Geodor. “I’m sad I’m the one who prevented you from accomplishing your heroic resolution. But in return for that offense, I ought to be of some service to you. Please, give me time to reflect.”

They arrived before a large, uncomfortable-looking apartment building, and Diatter paused.

“This is my home,” he wheezed. “If you have more to say, will you come in? I’m much too fatigued to walk farther to continue talking.”

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-ceilinged, small room. A matron of about fifty years and a little girl of twelve, the mother and sister of Diatter, received them.

Geodor expressed great sympathy for his new friend and assured him that he would do everything to assist him and his family. He invited them to make his cottage their future residence, where he would send a physician to attend Herolam Diatter until he recovered. The Diatters gratefully accepted his offer.

Mrs. Diatter profusely thanked Geodor for his kindness, to herself and to her children. After which, he excused himself to prepare for his new occupation, walking with a spring in his step because he could help those dear souls. 

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