Page:Storys (sic) of The wild huntsman.pdf/21

21 tone of evident disappointment, 'my mother, even in her last agonies, spoke of some dreadful tale which you only could reveal.'

'I cannot' says Francis; and even if I could, I would not.' His voice sounded hoarse and unnatural, and his eyes glared with the malice of a demon. The Count seized his arm. 'I insist upon your telling me,' cried he, wildly; 'or—'

'Or what?' asked Francis, with a fearful laugh. In what manner can you make me do what I WILL NOT? You would be doing me a service to deprive me of life, for I have nothing in this world to regret; except, perhaps, my child,' added he, in a milder tone as a softened expression crept over his stern features. Otto was affected, he begged the forrester to forgive him; and, in the agitation of the moment, swore solemnly never to question him more. Francis did not reply, and Otto found he fainted, for the energy of his mind had been too much for the enfeebled state of his body. The agitation occasioned by this conversation brought on a relapse, and for several days Francis's life hung upon a thread. During this time, Otto could not daily, nay, hourly, see the beautiful Juliana, without becoming devotedly attached to her; it was not in nature that she should hear this unmoved; and long ere Francis was