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 would 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.