Скорбь сатаны / The sorrows of Satan. Уровень 4

I examined the weird insect more closely. As I did so, its bright beady eyes sparkled, I thought, vindictively, and I stepped back.

“It is certainly remarkable,” I murmured. “No wonder you value it, as a curiosity. Its eyes are quite distinct, almost intelligent.”

“No doubt she had beautiful eyes,” said Rimanez smiling.

“She? Whom do you mean?”

“The princess, of course!” he answered, evidently amused. “The dear dead lady. Some of her personality must be in this creature: it had nothing but her body to nourish itself upon.

”

And here he replaced the creature in its crystal habitation.

“I suppose,” I said slowly, “you think that nothing actually perishes completely?”

“Exactly!” returned Rimanez emphatically. “Nothing can be entirely annihilated; not even a thought.”

I was silent.

“And now for luncheon,” he said gaily, passing his arm through mine. “You look twenty per cent. better than when you went out this morning, Geoffrey.”

Seated at table with the dark-faced Amiel in attendance, I related my morning’s adventures.

I told him about the publisher who had on the previous day refused my manuscript, and who now, I felt sure, would be glad to accept the offer I had made. Rimanez listened attentively, smiling.

“Of course!” he said, when I had concluded. “I think he showed remarkable discretion and decency. His pleasant hypocrisy shows him to be a person of tact and foresight. Did you ever imagine a human being or a human conscience that could not be bought? The Pope will sell you a specially reserved seat in his heaven if you give him the cash while he is on earth! Nothing is given free in this world.

Everything must be bought – with blood, tears and groans occasionally, – but usually with money.”

I fancied that Amiel, behind his master’s chair, smiled darkly at this. I could not formulate to myself any substantial reason for my aversion to this confidential servant. But the aversion increased each time I saw his sullen and sneering features.

Yet he was perfectly respectful and deferential; I could find no fault with him

As soon as we were alone, Rimanez lit a cigar.

“Now let us talk,” he said. “I believe I am at present your best friend, and I certainly know the world better than you do. How will you begin spending your money?”

I laughed.

“Well, I shan’t provide funds for the building of a church or a hospital,” I said.