I tell you, you DARE NOT! I never pitied Fabio, never--he was too easily duped, and a married man has no right to be otherwise than suspicious and ever on his guard; if he relaxes in his vigilance he has only himself to blame when his honor is flung like a ball from hand to hand, as one plays with a child's toy.

I repeat to you, Nina, you are mine, and I swear you shall never escape me!" The impetuous words coursed rapidly from his lips, and his deep musical voice had a defiant ring as it fell on the stillness of the evening air.

I smiled bitterly as I heard! She struggled in his arms half angrily.
"Let me go," she said.

"You are rough, you hurt me!" He released her instantly.

The violence of his embrace had crushed the rose she wore, and its crimson leaves fluttered slowly down one by one on the ground at her feet.