Page:In Maremma, by Ouida (vol 3).djvu/17

 subtle and cultured reasonings always bewildered her and left her at a disadvantage before him; and she who had never feared any living creature did fear him with the tremulous and exquisite timidity of all great love.

'If, indeed,' he continued with passionate emphasis, 'it is you who would have me go to be rid of me'

'I!'

Her eyes spoke all the rest.

'Yet I could never go—with his help or by his means. He loves you. There is no more doubt of that than of the earth's turning. I am a felon, that is true; but once I was a free man and a noble, once I was Luitbrand d'Este. I am not so low or so base yet as to give you up in barter for my freedom, or owe an hour's liberty to one who envies you to me!'

Musa shrank away, the hot colour burned in her face; she was astonished, bewildered, confused.

'I am sure there is no thought of me,' she said with effort. 'I am sure he does not think of me in that way. He would aid you because he is a good man; but if you do not choose to go'