With the coming of Dain she found the road to
freedom by obeying the voice of the new-born impulses, and with surprised
joy she thought she could read in his eyes the answer to all the
questionings of her heart. She understood now the reason and the aim of
life; and in the triumphant unveiling of that mystery she threw away
disdainfully her past with its sad thoughts, its bitter feelings, and its
faint affections, now withered and dead in contact with her fierce
passion.
Mrs. Almayer unmoored Nina's own canoe and, straightening herself
painfully, stood, painter in hand, looking at her daughter.
"Quick," she said; "get away before the moon rises, while the river is
dark. I am afraid of Abdulla's slaves. The wretches prowl in the night
often, and might see and follow you. There are two paddles in the
canoe."
Nina approached her mother and hesitatingly touched lightly with her lips
the wrinkled forehead. Mrs. Almayer snorted contemptuously in protest
against that tenderness which she, nevertheless, feared could be
contagious.
"Shall I ever see you again, mother?" murmured Nina.
"No," said Mrs. Almayer, after a short silence. "Why should you return
here where it is my fate to die? You will live far away in splendour and
might.
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