or was it tears sparkling in his own eyes ?....
Then the grate and jar of the horse-hoofs on the road, as they pulled up suddenly....

He turned his face away and shut his eyes....
'What are you ?' thundered a voice.
'Victoria, the daughter of Majoricus the Prefect.' The voice was low, but yet so clear and calm, that every syllable rang through Aben-Ezra's tingling ears....
A shout--a shriek--the confused murmur of many voices....

He looked up, in spite of himself-a horseman had sprung to the ground, and clasped Victoria in his arms.

The human heart of flesh, asleep for many a year, leaped into mad life within his breast, and drawing his dagger, he rushed into the throng-- 'Villains! Hellhounds! I will balk you! She shall die first!' And the bright blade gleamed over Victoria's head....

He was struck down--blinded--half-stunned--but rose again with the energy of madness....