Page:Younger brother, or, The sufferings of Saint Andre.pdf/10

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received his portion, which in happier times he had even forgotten, he now found himself obliged to demand it. M. de Vilmore answered, that he would give him no money, but on condition that he would immediately embark again for the East Indies, in a ship that was just ready to sail. This unexampled severity now entirely alienated a heart which had long before been sufficiently exasperated. In the anguish of resentment and despair, his fortitude forsook him. He fell dangerously ill, and was soon reduced to the last extremity. Bertrand left him neither night nor day; but was lavish in all the attentions of tenderness which the most generous friendship could inspire. This good man had a daughter about eighteen, who, imagining that she only obeyed the dictates of virtuous compassion, was constantly at the bedside of the unfortunate St. Andre, and joined with her father in the employment of a nurse. Bertrand related to her the adventures of his unhappy patient, with his great prosperity in the East Indies; he extolled his courage, perseverance and good conduct or which there were many witnesses then at