Page:Idalia, by 'Ouida' volume 3.djvu/167

156 mine? If you should get your liberty again, my Countess, your favourite courier will slightly embarrass you!"

"You possess no claims."

"Truly? We will see that. But first, what will you do with him?"

"What shall I do ? I will tell you. Give him my life, and defy yours."

"Ah! As his mistress or as his wife?"

"His wife."

"Indeed! And make him a chieftain in Roumelia, I suppose ? "

"Why not?"

"Why not, truly! He will be admirably fitted to play the mountain king, the barbaric lord; and you—well, your new fancy may endure six months. I will give it that lease of life; and then—men easily disappear in those hill fastnesses, where every creature is your humble vassal!" Her face flushed with a dark tempestuous shadow as she heard; she gave one movement, rapid, passionate, involuntary—it was to raise her pistol for the signal shot. The gesture was restrained; she looked her antagonist firmly in the eyes.

"Cease this. There are none here to be cheated with your outrages, and to insult me will bring you