I could not think of presuming to compel you to marry me now.

But I can say to you that I am devotedly attached to you, that to marry you is the aim and object of my life, and if you refuse, I will tell you that you are doing a great wrong, repudiating a solemn contract--" "If I refuse--well--but you would give me the papers ?" asked Donna Tullia, who was beginning to tremble for the result of the interview.

She had a vague suspicion that, for the sake of obtaining them, she would even be willing to promise to marry Del Ferice.

It would be very wrong, perhaps; but it would be for the sake of accomplishing good, by preventing Corona from falling into the trap--Corona, whom she hated! Still, it would be a generous act to save her.

The minds of women like Madame Mayer are apt to be a little tortuous when they find themselves hemmed in between their own jealousies, hatreds, and personal interests.
"If you refused--no; if you refused, I am afraid I could not give you the papers," replied Del Ferice, musing as he gazed at the fire.