When I watched her as she walked on the veranda I was tempted to reveal myself, and disclose your baseness." Fitzgerald's eyes flashed with sudden anger, as he vociferated, "Rosa, if you ever dare to set up any such claim--" "If I _dare_!" she exclaimed, interrupting him in a tone of proud defiance, that thrilled through all his nerves.
Alarmed by the strength of character which he had never dreamed she possessed, he said: "In your present state of mind, there is no telling what you may dare to do.

It becomes necessary for you to understand your true position.

You are not my wife.

The man who married us had no legal authority to perform the ceremony." "O steeped in falsehood to the lips!" exclaimed she.

"And _you_ are the idol I have worshipped!" He looked at her with astonishment not unmingled with admiration.
"Rosa, I could not have believed you had such a temper," rejoined he.
"But why will you persist in making yourself and me unhappy?
As long as my wife is ignorant of my love for you, no harm is done.