did not see the ashen colour to which the fairness of his listener's face fade ; in the tumult of his own thoughts and passions he did not hear the quick, sharp catch of his companion's breath. It was soon suppressed in a careless, soft, ironic laugh.
"Ah! Miladi must think her jeopardy very imminent. She never proffered so heavy a bribe before."
Erceldoune's hands fell on his shoulders, swaying him heavily to and fro.
"What do you dare to mean by that!"
"Simply what I say."
"Why? Am I so loathsome?"
"Certainly not. You are a magnificent man; the very man for a lover. But marriage"
"Finish your sentence. Marriage"
"May be a word on her lips, but will never be a chain upon her liberties."
"You dare to mean"
"Release me, and I will tell you what I mean. I do not speak for any threats of forcé."
Erceldoune slowly let go his hold, and stood before him with the morning sun-gleam on his face that was stormily flushed. His rival's eyes met his serenely; in the calm transparent depths there was an unspoken pity that made his listener's blood glow like lava.
