"But when I wish to see you so much, my darling Leoline," said the
count, with provoking indifference, "what does a little reluctance on
your part signify? Get your hood and mantle, my love--my horse awaits
us without--and let us fly where neither plague nor mortal man will
interrupt our nuptials!"
"Will no one take this man away?" she cried, looking helplessly round,
and wringing her hands.
"Certainly not, my dear--not even Sir Norman Kingsley! George, I am
afraid this pretty little vixen will not go peaceably; you had better
come in!"
With a smile on his face, he took a step toward her. Shrieking wildly,
she darted across the room, and made for the door, just as somebody else
was entering it. The next instant, a shawl was thrown over her head,
her cries smothered in it, and she was lifted in a pair of strong arms,
carried down stairs, and out into the night.