Page:Des Grieux, The Prelude to Teleny.djvu/92

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"Moreover, as you have used magic arts—for I myself had never yielded so tamely if you had not employed witchcraft or some superhuman power—I could not only have you thrust into prison, but have you tortured, put to death, and burnt for sorcery."

The youth gave no answer.

"Still," continued the old maid, "for the pleasure you have given me, I shall have you go scot free this time, for surely you will be hanged elsewhere. Only you must take your solemn oath never to reveal to any human being the mischief you have done, and moreover you must leave this town to-morrow."

The youth was loth to do so, for he loved the girl he had enjoyed; but when he heard that she was on the point of death for his sake, he felt grieved and took the oath that was required of him.

He begged hard to see her once more, but the aunt was relentless.

After the promise was given the old dame brought out a light supper, and set it before the youth, and while he regaled himself with half a chicken and a huge piece of pigeon pie,

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