Page:In Maremma, by Ouida (vol 3).djvu/30



HEN she brought to Este the written lines, he read them in silence. They said:

'I will give up my life to the endeavour to prove your innocence, in which, at your trial at Mantua, I, almost alone, believed. If I be successful, I will only ask one thing of you: when you are free, do not forget your debt to her, and justify her in the eyes of all men.' The paper was signed in full: '.'

Este read it twice; then burnt it.

'Does it anger you?' she asked.

'No. I do not understand'

It embarrassed him; he could not comprehend. Why should this man, who loved