Page:Idalia, by 'Ouida' volume 3.djvu/163

152 he had dealt treacherously by her, and so forfeited all right, all power to force on her that he now uttered truth. The last two words cut asunder, and broke down as though they had never been, the softer better thought, that in the moment previous had made him well-nigh forget all else except the peril of death, or of a life worse than death, to which she, wronged in so much, had but so late escaped by a hair's breadth.

In that instant, whilst she spoke, the fear had passed from him, the knowledge of his power had risen again; jealousy, and avarice, and lust of tyranny were stronger-lived in him than the sting of conscience, than the awakening of shame. "Wait an instant," he said, sullenly. "There is too close a tie between us for us to part in that fashion." "To a tie that you have outraged you cannot appeal."

"We are too needful to each other to sever so"

"I am needful to you, doubtless. But you will never again make of me, or tool, or weapon, or guide, or gold-mine for your evil service."

"Ah! Fine thing a woman's word. But a few days since you told me, with imperial scorn, that you had some reverence for your oath?"