Page:Idalia, by 'Ouida' volume 2.djvu/257

246 self-control, were needed to serve her; not the less did he bend to their curb the violent longings of his own wretchedness.

He paused a moment where a deep leafy nest of rock and foliage screened him from all sight, and tried to still the throbbing misery of his thoughts, and search out the nearest clue to find her. She was in the power of her foes; royal soldiers held her villa; that she was deeply compromised in political matters was evident; where she might now be taken the gaolers who held her alone knew. He shuddered as he remembered all the histories he had heard of the vengeance of the monarchists on those who had defied them! Her dog was with him; the sentinels would tell the story of his onslaught on them; if noticed, he would be suspected and watched, possibly even arrested. To go to Naples was to risk arousing suspicions that might render every effort to eave her useless. He must be unknown, untracked, or he could do nothing; yet he must keep the hound with him, for no aid could be so sure to track her as Sulla’s scent and unerring instincts of fidelity. The dog stood now beside him, the fine nostrils quivering, the ears pointed, every nerve on the stretch, and every now and then a piteous anguish in the brown