Page:In Maremma, by Ouida (vol 3).djvu/313

 the Tiber, as the Farnesina had. So they told him in the wine-shop, making clear to him the way that he should take.

His back was to the entrancee-door as he drank, and paid, and spoke. She leaned against the lintel and listened, and heard.

She had believed all along that he came thither to kill Este; she heard without surprise the question that gave her confirmation of all she feared. What reason moved him, she wondered dully, while the pulse of her life beat in her as if every vein would burst.

She shrank back into the shadow of the wall as he came out. His face was dark with drink and passion; his lips were set. His eyes had a red fury in them, as an angered mastiff's have when he is about to spring.

Almost she was tempted to leap on him, and drive her dagger through him.

To save or serve Este any crime would have seemed to her holiness.

But she knew that beside him she was as a reed beside an oak; that if her first blow failed to strike home, he would turn in his rage, and stab or strangle her; then who would warn Este if she died?

She dared not touch him lest she should