Page:Marietta, or the Two Students.djvu/34

28 retreating. "I have warned you once, and I warn you again, do me no violence, lean reveal what would make you look through iron grates all your days. Do you hear me?"

"What can you reveal," replied the virago, in a voice which she meant should be indicative of indifference, but which truly manifested much alarm, "What secrets have you that can work me any harm?"

"Enough to imprison you for life—ninety-nine years—if not sufficient to hang you by the neck, and I am not quite certain that the latter would not be the case."

"Speak, ungrateful wretch," (in a loud voice,) "tell me or I will strike you to the floor," (lifting her clenched hand menacingly,) "what is the secret? Speak quickly."

"What I have told you."

"You have told me nothing, hussy," shrieked the hag, impatiently.

"To convince you that I can do what I have affirmed a few words will suffice, and you may now listen to those few words." Holding up her finger mysteriously and menacingly to her tormentor, she said distinctly these words—"The body snatchers. Alice Conway. The vial!"

The effect these words had upon the virago was magical. Her hand fell powerless by her side, and for a moment she stood speechless, gazing at Cecil with an air of dread and deepest hatred. Then in a low and subdued voice she asked, "how knew you of this? What evil demon sent you here to work my destruction! Yes, you have said truly you know enough if disclosed to the ears of Justice to cause me to look through the iron grates of a prison for life. But this does not intimidate me. You cannot escape from my control should you wish to. Or if you should, the evidence of a prostitute would avail but little in a court of Justice. But you may be well assured that I shall take the best of measures to secure your silence on that subject."

There was a peculiar meaning conveyed in the last sentence, by the significant manner of the hag, that made the young girl turn pale, and stirred up an indefinable emotion of dread.

"You must see that man of whom I have spoken, to-morrow evening," continued the virago, in a firm resolute tone. "Do you hear me, Miss."

"I shall never! I would die sooner."

"Take that for your insolence." Striking Cecil a blow which prostrated her to the floor, she left the room, locking the door after her.

When Levator could no longer hear the sound of her retreating footsteps he relighted his lamp, and unfastening the door he proceeded to that of Cecil's apartment. Rapping gently he awaited the result. He heard the tread of a light foot, and soon the sound of a soft voice enquiring who knocked.

"A friend," replied Levator, mildly.

"Not Eugene."

"No: that is not my name. I have just overheard a conversation between yourself and another person, and have come to offer you my assistance. You now know the object of my visit. Can I serve you?"

"No—yes—stop a moment. If I could see your face I could tell better whether to trust you or not. Your voice falls kindly on my ears.—I think you can do me a favor."

"Look through the key-hole and you can see my face." Here Levator held up the lamp in such a manner as to throw a light full upon him, while a pair of bright eyes looked out through the key-hole. "Do I look like a corsair or a high-way man, young woman?"

"Not at all, I like the looks of you. You resemble Eugene. I will trust a