IN THE SHADOW
destruction. I must haste. Au revoir, camarade! Madam is expecting you; you will of course remain until my return." With a flourish of his hat and a gash of his cruel spurs Fouchère sped on down the tor rent- washed road.
Dessalines continued, disturbed in mind; he did not desire to be left alone with La Fouchère. It was evident that he attracted her. One felt her to be lawless as a forest fire; less restrained than the tempest; her soul contained neither fear nor modesty; also, she had a mind; more than he.
Fouchère he liked and respected, although there was an element about the Marabout which awakened his distrust. Yet he was his friend, and Dessalines, imitative, of strong natural decency, innate tendencies for good, was still colored by his British precepts. In the bright sunshine, decency predominated over religious scruples; as soon as the shadows began to lengthen, this decency would dwindle and his impulses would be restrained by the flaming vision of an irate God. He would scent brimstone as his passions swelled. But now, in the daylight, it was his clean British perception which prevailed; the sight of his conventional costume, riding breeches, gloves, crop, boots, all so English, did much to strengthen his good resolution.
Madam was reclining upon the veranda when he arrived. Dessalines joined her. Célèstine brought wine and biscuits; champagne, tepid and in glasses which according to Haytian custom were not overclean. In Europe, neither would have raised such a glass to the lips; in Hayti one scarcely noticed it; it stood in no relief against the smirched background.
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