Page:In Maremma, by Ouida (vol 2).djvu/179



LL this day and evening Este had passed in the alternate stupor and agitation of great fear. Against his judgment, against his manliness, he could not conquer the idea that she had gone to give him up to the law. He was very feeble; the simple fare that kept her in health had no power to restore the lost strength to his muscles or vivify his impoverished blood. He had nothing to do the whole day long; the gloom of the sepulchres, from which he dared not stir, oppressed him like a nightmare. His weak pulse beat fast with terror as he said in his soul, 'she is gone to tell them. She will never come back. She will only send the soldiers.'