Page:Idalia, by 'Ouida' volume 3.djvu/183

172 "That was very nobly said. We may surely be friends?" Erceldoune did not take his hand.

"Pardon me—my friendships are few, and I add to them rarely. Aid her, and no friend shall be so close to me as you."

"You speak strongly. Is the Countess Vassalis so dear to you, then?"

"Judge by the risk I have run for her."

"True! You are not the first"

"The first for what?"

"Well—the first who thought his life well lost for her. And—forgive me the question, I have known her so long—what does she promise you for it?"

"I fail to apprehend you."

"You d ? I mean, what reward does that fairest and most fatal of sorceresses promise you if ever you escape the dangers you have incurred for the sake of her eloquent eyes?"

"Her insults are mine. By what right do you use such a tone?"

"By what right do you constitute yourself her champion? It will be a thankless office!"

"By the right of a man to defend his wife's honour."

In the deep shadow of the overhanging cliff he