Mrs. Almayer fell on her knees on the bank and leaned over the
gunwale so as to bring her own face close to her daughter's.
"There will be other women," she repeated firmly; "I tell you that,
because you are half white, and may forget that he is a great chief, and
that such things must be. Hide your anger, and do not let him see on
your face the pain that will eat your heart. Meet him with joy in your
eyes and wisdom on your lips, for to you he will turn in sadness or in
doubt. As long as he looks upon many women your power will last, but
should there be one, one only with whom he seems to forget you, then--"
"I could not live," exclaimed Nina, covering her face with both her
hands. "Do not speak so, mother; it could not be."
"Then," went on Mrs. Almayer, steadily, "to that woman, Nina, show no
mercy."
She moved the canoe down towards the stream by the gunwale, and gripped
it with both her hands, the bow pointing into the river.
"Are you crying?" she asked sternly of her daughter, who sat still with
covered face. "Arise, and take your paddle, for he has waited long
enough. And remember, Nina, no mercy; and if you must strike, strike
with a steady hand."
She put out all her strength, and swinging her body over the water, shot
the light craft far into the stream.
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