Jon Hagadorn

The Count's brow became clouded.

"'You are right to recall me to myself, Maximilian,' he said.

"'I was delighted to see you again, and forgot for the moment that all happiness is fleeting.'

"'Oh, no, no, Count,' cried Maximilian, seizing the Count's hands.

"'Pray laugh, be happy, and prove to me, by your indifference, that life is endurable to sufferers.

Oh, how charitable, kind, and good you are!

You effect this gaiety to inspire me with courage.'

"'You are wrong, Morel.

I was really happy.'

"'Then you forget me.

So much the better.'

"'How so?'

"'Yes, for as the gladiator said to the emperor when he entered the arena, "'He who is about to die salutes you.'

"'Then you are not consoled,' said the Count, surprised.

"'Oh!'

exclaimed Morel, with a glance full of bitter reproach.

"'Do you think it possible that I could be?'

"'Listen,' said the Count, "'do you understand the meaning of my words?'

You cannot take me for a commonplace man, a mere rattle, emitting a vague and senseless noise.

When I ask you if you are consoled, I speak to you as a man for whom the human heart has no secrets.