Page:In Maremma, by Ouida (vol 2).djvu/323

 'You had told him nothing?'

'How could I tell him? He might have betrayed you.'

'No; he would never do that. I wish we knew whether he would go; he loves you'

'I do not think so. Why should he? It is for Joconda's sake that he does these things. I hope he will go; now that he has saved us, I can say nothing to him that I used to say.'

'You have been harsh to him?'

'Yes; because he wearied me. He wanted me to go to his own land, to another life. I told you all that; it troubled me and I was harsh. The other day I told him I would kill him; I had my knife out against his heart, and I would have done it. Yes; he is generous, but I do not like such debt as this laid on me. One cannot breathe under it. When I see him again, what can I say? I shall never be free;—he has saved you; how can I pay him for that if I live a thousand years?'

'All the payment he would wish, you would not give; and if you would, I should not let you give it. Oh, my dear, you are very blind. Men love you'