“I don’t think it’s the sleep that makes me stupid. It’s the dull greyness of the sky.”
“Maybe. What penalty are you inclined to pay for your neglect and lack of vigilance?”
“It was not neglect. I slept heavier than I have ever slept before. I believe God helped her, for she was young and good and innocent.”
“You seem to entertain no sorrow for your neglect of duty.”
Her puzzled eyes, tired and questioning, met his.
“No, I do not feel sorry. How can I? She could not settle to this prison life as I have done. She was of a softer and more yielding nature. What hardens me would soon have killed her altogether.”
“Better be killed than get away alive without permission. And you, being the offender, must bear her punishment beside your own.”
“Oh! I am strong enough for any punishment. I have a frame of iron buried in what seems like flesh. If I have sinned, then name the punishment. But sin at times, if sin this be, brings near an echo of happier things beyond this life to conjure.”
“Sound sleeping is a thing for swine. You shall not work so hard, for you must sleep less heavily. You are intent upon a wedding-gown, I hear. Leave it unfinished.”
“But I have worked at it three years; the dullest work is finished. This is the part I love, that makes some compensation for that other thing I worship.”
“And for the double punishment, seeing your working hours have been reduced and cancelled, there will be no further need for that night out—excruciating torment for the all unhappy listeners.”
“Rosalie loved my playing.” Her dark eyes shone out from a face pale as death.
“No. She was bribing you to stop by flattery. Did she not counsel you to give it up?”
“Ah! that is impossible. I ask nothing but two little hours a week. If that goes, I might as well be dead.”
“You might then, for you have done with them.”
“It was the stipulation when I came here.”
“You have broken the stipulation by your carelessness.”
“Nothing. Learn to appreciate the luxury of idleness.”
“You have not weighed the fairness of such a punishment.”
“Give me but one hour a week, then. Give me but one.”
“No, not one! Get away out of my sight, lest I be tempted to kick you out.”
“Where must I go? I have no place amongst the others now.”