Page:Idalia, by 'Ouida' volume 3.djvu/212

Rh He watched the tumbled heap of white ruffled plumage washed in and out by the wind-moved caprices of the "tideless sea."

"I can destroy her as easily as I killed that bird," be thought, and the worst instincts of his nature had their sway once more, as his mouth laughed with his slight, soft smile. "Barbaric! Terribly barbaric!" be murmured. "And I was so wise in my diplomacy with him; I told him only truth. Talleyrand is right. Truth is so safe and so sure!" Then leaving the dead curlew floating on the water's play he went whither he came. "Monsignore will rally enough to sign an order," be mused. "A half-score soldiers, and they will be netted. Miladi's passion will not be smooth in its course!"