[Romance Island by Zona Gale]@TWC D-Link book
Romance Island

CHAPTER XVIII
7/13

Ahead of the times, with your rudderless airships! I have always said that the electric chair is a way to be barbarous and good form at the same time, and that is what I think about Yaque!" Mr.Frothingham's hands worked forward convulsively on his blue velvet knees.
"My dear Madame," he interposed earnestly, "the history of criminal jurisprudence, not to mention the remarkable essay of the Marquis Beccaria--proves beyond doubt that the extirpation of the offender is the only possible safety for the State--" Olivia rose and stood before the prince, her eyes meeting his.
"You will permit this sentence ?" she asked steadily.

"As head of the House of the Litany, you will execute it, Prince Tabnit ?" "Alas!" said the prince humbly, "it is customary on the day of the coronation to set adrift all offenders.

I am the servant of the State." "Then, Prince Tabnit, I can not marry you." At this Mrs.Hastings looked blindly about for support, and Mr.
Frothingham and Antoinette flew to her side.

In that moment the lady had seen herself, prophetically, in black samite and her parrot bonnet, set adrift in the penitential airship with her rebellious niece.
For a moment Prince Tabnit hesitated: he looked at Olivia, who was never more beautiful than as she defied him; then he walked slowly toward her, with sweep and fall of his garments embroidered by a thousand needles.

Antoinette and her father, ministering to Mrs.
Hastings, heard only the new note that had crept into his voice, a thrill, a tremour-- "Olivia!" he said.
Her eyes met his in amazement but no fear.
"In a land more alien to me than the sun," said the prince, "I saw you, and in that moment I loved you.


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