Page:Idalia, by 'Ouida' volume 2.djvu/51

40 concentrated passion, and swept beyond him towards the doorway of her chamber.

Phaulcon sprang before her, and stood between her and the closed doors; there was a taint of cowardice in his nature, and he had forgotten all policy when he had let malice and vengeance hurry him into an open rupture with one who was beyond all others needful to him, and who, whatever her foes, whatever her faults, still never feared.

"Idalia!—wait."

" Let me pass, sir."

"No, by Heaven! not in such a mood."

"You wish to compel me to summon my household?" "I wish to induce you to hear reason."

"Your euphuistic synonym for some new villany? I have answered you already."

"Softly, softly! It will not do for us to quarrel. You know the terms on which alone you can make such an answer final." "Your persecution? I am indifferent to it. Allow me to pass."

"Pardon me, no. The terms I meant were—the breaking of your oath."

He spoke very gently, yet at the words she turned pale for the first time in their interview, as though he