THE EQUINOX
the throat. I had broken my oath; I was paying the
penalty.
“Crazier than ever, I again sought throughout changed
Paris for my dream-love; I shall seek her till I die. If I
seem calmer, it is but that age has robbed me of the force of
passion. In vain you tell me, laughing, that
if she ever lived,
she is long since dead ; or at least is an old woman, the blonde
gold faded, the child-face wrinkled, the body bowed and lax.
I laugh at you—at you—for
a blaspheming ass. Your folly is
too wild to anger me!”
“T did not laugh,” said Roderic gravely.
“Well,” said the old man, rising, “I fear I have wearied
you... I thank you for your patience .. . IknowIl ama
mad old fellow. But, if you should happen—you know.
Please communicate. Here is my card. I must go now. I
am expected elsewhere. I am expected.”
Martiat Nay.
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