Page:Idalia, by 'Ouida' volume 3.djvu/184

Rh did not see the ashen colour to which the fairness of his listener's face fade ; in the tumult of his own thoughts and passions he did not hear the quick, sharp catch of his companion's breath. It was soon suppressed in a careless, soft, ironic laugh.

"Ah! Miladi must think her jeopardy very imminent. She never proffered so heavy a bribe before."

Erceldoune's hands fell on his shoulders, swaying him heavily to and fro.

"What do you dare to mean by that!"

"Simply what I say."

"Why? Am I so loathsome?"

"Certainly not. You are a magnificent man; the very man for a lover. But marriage"

"Finish your sentence. Marriage"

"May be a word on her lips, but will never be a chain upon her liberties."

"You dare to mean"

"Release me, and I will tell you what I mean. I do not speak for any threats of forcé."

Erceldoune slowly let go his hold, and stood before him with the morning sun-gleam on his face that was stormily flushed. His rival's eyes met his serenely; in the calm transparent depths there was an unspoken pity that made his listener's blood glow like lava.