The caprices of this white light gave a
sinister expression to both edifices; it seemed as if Nature herself
encouraged the superstitions that hung about the miser's dwelling. The
young man called to mind the many traditions which made Cornelius a
personage both curious and formidable. Though quite decided through
the violence of his love to enter that house, and stay there long
enough to accomplish his design, he hesitated to take the final step,
all the while aware that he should certainly take it. But where is the
man who, in a crisis of his life, does not willingly listen to
presentiments as he hangs above the precipice? A lover worthy of being
loved, the young man feared to die before he had been received for
love's sake by the countess.
This mental deliberation was so painfully interesting that he did not
feel the cold wind as it whistled round the corner of the building,
and chilled his legs. On entering that house, he must lay aside his
name, as already he had laid aside the handsome garments of nobility.
In case of mishap, he could not claim the privileges of his rank nor
the protection of his friends without bringing hopeless ruin on the
Comtesse de Saint-Vallier.
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