He forgot
that the motive scheme was against White Fell, demanding derision
and resentment from him; that was swept out of remembrance by
astonishment and admiration for the feat of speed and endurance.
In eagerness to question he inclined to attempt a generous part
and frankly offer to heal the breach; but Christian's depression
and sad following gaze provoked him to self-justification by
recalling the offence of that outrageous utterance against White
Fell; and the impulse passed. Then other considerations counselled
silence; and afterwards a humour possessed him to wait and see how
Christian would find opportunity to proclaim his performance and
establish the fact, without exciting ridicule on account of the
absurdity of the errand.
This expectation remained unfulfilled. Christian never attempted
the proud avowal that would have placed his feat on record to be
told to the next generation.
That night Sweyn and his mother talked long and late together,
shaping into certainty the suspicion that Christian's mind had
lost its balance, and discussing the evident cause. For Sweyn,
declaring his own love for White Fell, suggested that his
unfortunate brother, with a like passion, they being twins in
loves as in birth, had through jealousy and despair turned from
love to hate, until reason failed at the strain, and a craze
developed, which the malice and treachery of madness made a
serious and dangerous force.
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