"Then you will not be much longer in that deplorable state," said
George, backing out, "for here they are."
"Pardon this intrusion, fairest Leoline," began the count, "but Sir
Norman and I are about to start on a journey, and before we go, there is
a little difference of opinion between us that you are to settle."
Leoline looked first at one, and then at the other, utterly bewildered.
"What is it?" she asked.
"A simple matter enough. Last evening, if you recollect, you were my
promised bride."
"It was against my will," said Leoline, boldly, though her voice shook,
"You and Prudence made me."
"Nay, Leoline, you wrong me. I, at least, need no compulsion."
"You know better. You haunted me continually; you gave me no peace at
all; and I world just have married you to get rid of you."
"And you never loved me?"
"I never did."
"A frank confession! Did you, then, love any one else?"
The dark eyes fell, and the roseate glow again tinged the pearly face.
"Mute!" said the count, with an almost imperceptible smile. "Look up,
Leoline, and speak."
But Leoline would do neither. With all her momentary daring gone, she
stood startled as a wild gazelle.
"Shall I answer for her, Sir Count?" exclaimed Sir Norman, his own cheek
dashed. "Leoline! Leoline! you love me!"
Leoline was silent.
"You are to decide between us, Leoline. Though the count forcibly
brought you here, he has been generous enough to grant this. Say, then,
which of as you love best."
"I do not love him at all," said Leoline, with a little disdain, "and he
knows it."
"Then it is I!" said Sir Norman, him whole lace beaming with delight.
"It is you!"
Leoline held out both hands to the loved one, and nestled close to his
side, like a child would to its protector.
"Fairly rejected!" said the count, with a pacing shade of mortification
on his brow; "and, my word being pledged, I most submit. But, beautiful
Leoline, you have yet to learn whom you have discarded."
Clinging to her lover's arm, the girl grew white with undefined
apprehension. Leisurely, the count removed false wig, false eyebrows,
false heard; and a face well known to Leoline, from pictures and
description, turned full upon her.
"Sire!" she cried, in terror, calling on her knees with clasped hands.