Page:Idalia, by 'Ouida' volume 3.djvu/366

Rh for you too. That white-faced Northemer betrayed you to Guilio Villaflor. Well, the boy Berto caught him in his own toils. They hold him safe; they will kill him like a cur at your word. Ah, Chiist! how the steel pierces! I would not die if I could help it. Not just now—not till I have seen that traitors face. It is hard—hard—hard. He has cut and galled me so often; it is hard to die just when I could pay him all!" The ferocious words gave way as his breath caught them; he moved restlessly, driving the blade in still, so that by this means he might yet gain a moment's force. As his wandering glazing eyes glanced upward he saw whose arms supported him; and the old relentless hate glowed in them—dark and deathless.

"So! you have your vengeance, and I am baulked of mine. Lay me down, signore. I would sooner die a minute easier than gain the minute by your help."

The old savage tiger lust was in the words. Erceldoune never heeded them, he rested the Greek's head on his own breast, and held him upward with gentleness and in silence.

Idalia hung over him.

"Tell him—tell him! If you would atone for