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Rh "I cannot but regret, ladies, that your first visit to the castle of my ancestors should be less voluntary than I could wish; but, alas! beauty has much to answer for." "The courtesy of your manner," said Lady Mandeville, cautiously suppressing some sudden emotion of surprise, "belies that of your conduct. What can your motive be, if you welcome us as guests? If we accept your hospitality, we claim your protection."

"I would die to give you pleasure—I live but in your sight." "Again let me ask you your motive for this outrage; or rather, let me entreat you to name our ransom, and give us the means of communicating with our friends." "Ransom! name it not to me. Love, not gold, has led me on. Beautiful mistress of my heart, behold your slave!" and he dropped on one knee before Emily, who clung, half-fainting with surprise and fear, to Lady Mandeville. "I have loved you for years; in England, when an exile from my native country, I worshipped at a distance. I returned to Naples; but my heart was away in your cold island—our Southern beauties were lovely in vain—when, one day, I saw you on the strada. Alas! even