Many greater men have made the same
mistake, and quite small men with a great name make it every day,
thinking complacently that it is a privilege to some woman to
minister to their wants while they produce their immortal pictures
or deathless books; whereas, the woman would tend him as carefully
were he a crossing-sweeper, and is only following the dictates of an
instinct which is loftier than his highest thought and more
admirable than his most astounding work of art.
Barlasch had not lived so long in the Frauengasse without learning
the domestic economy of Sebastian's household. He knew that
Desiree, like many persons with kind blue eyes, shaped her own
course through life, and abided by the result with a steadfastness
not usually attributed to the light-hearted. He concluded that he
must make ready to take the road again before midnight. He
therefore gave a careful and businesslike attention to the simple
meal set before him by Lisa; and, looking up over his plate, he saw
for the second time in his life Sebastian hurrying into his own
kitchen.
Barlasch half rose, and then, in obedience to a gesture from
Sebastian, or remembering perhaps the sturdy Republicanism which he
had not learnt until middle-age, he sat down again, fork in hand.
"You are prepared to accompany Madame Darragon to Thorn?" inquired
Sebastian, inviting his guest by a gesture to make himself at home--
scarcely a necessary thought in the present instance.
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