VI.
IN appearance, the conditions of life at Escal-Vigor, the relations between Kehlmark, Blandine,the young Govaertz and Landrillon underwent no alteration.
The valet, being ignorant of the explanation which Blandine had had with the Count, believed her to be entirely won over to his projects, and never ceased to present to her in an odious light the relations between the Dykgrave and his favourite. She was forced to listen to his hateful jests and to push dissimulation so far as to pretend to agree with the wretch. Further, Landrillon pressed her to surrender herself to him. In face of Blandine's refusal, he became impatient: "Come, be kind," said he, "and I promise not to disturb his idyll with young Govaertz; if not, I'll not be able to answer for anything further."
Blandine did her best to amuse him, to gain time. She even went so far as to promise
