If the
people demand a scapegoat, governments usually provide one. But be
comforted." In his eagerness of reassurance he caught her delicate
mittened hand in his own, and her anxiety rendering her heedless,
she allowed it to lie there gently imprisoned. "Be comforted. I
shall be here to guard him. There is much that I can do and you
may depend upon me to do it - for your sake, dear lady. The
Government will listen to me. I would not have you imagine me
capable of boasting. I have influence with the Government, that
is all; and I give you my word that so far as the Portuguese
Government is concerned your brother shall take no harm."
She looked at him for a long moment with moist eyes, moved and
flattered by his earnestness and intensity of homage. "I take this
very kindly in you, sir. I have no thanks that are worthy," she
said, her voice trembling a little. "I have no means of repaying
you. You have made me very happy, Count."
He bent low over the frail hand he was holding.
"Your assurance that I have made you happy repays me very fully,
since your happiness is my tenderest concern. Believe me, dear
lady, you may ever count Jeronymo de Samoval your most devoted and
obedient slave.
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