V.
A few days after this alarm in the gardens, Blandine presented herself to Kehlmark, engaged in writing, alone in his study.
Long had she hesitated before resolving on a step, which she considered indispensable, but the gravity of which she could not disguise from herself.
However, although she suffered a thousand deaths, her only thought was to put Kehlmark on his guard, forewarn him against the consequences of his too exclusive attachment to that wretched little vagabond. She refused to believe even her ears as to the extent of his passion; she persisted in seeing therein only an inconsiderate caprice, especially as she knew the Dykgrave's excitability, and the curious rage and violence which he applied to all his undertakings, even his least actions, for he was nothing if not impulsive.
