No man of feeling, and I least of any, could endure it.

And since if your brother were to suffer that must bring suffering to you, you may count upon me to shield him." "You are very good, Count.

But shield him from what ?" "From whatever may threaten.

The Portuguese Government may demand in self-protection, to appease the clamour of the people stupidly outraged by this affair, that an example shall be made of the offender." "Oh, but how could they?
With what reason ?" She displayed a vague alarm, and a less vague impatience of such hypotheses.
He shrugged.

"The people are like that--a fierce, vengeful god to whom appeasing sacrifices must be offered from time to time.