I would have made the charge I now undertake another's; thou knowest I would,--thou knowest it!--but he is not worthy of thee, the cold Englishman! I throw myself at thy feet; have trust in me, and fly." He grasped her hand passionately as he dropped on his knee, and looked up into her face with his bright, beseeching eyes.
"Fly with thee!" said Viola, scarce believing her senses.
"With me.

Name, fame, honour,--all will be sacrificed if thou dost not." "Then--then," said the wild girl, falteringly, and turning aside her face,--"then I am not indifferent to thee; thou wouldst not give me to another ?" Zanoni was silent; but his breast heaved, his cheeks flushed, his eyes darted dark and impassioned fire.
"Speak!" exclaimed Viola, in jealous suspicion of his silence.
"Indifferent to me! No; but I dare not yet say that I love thee." "Then what matters my fate ?" said Viola, turning pale, and shrinking from his side; "leave me,--I fear no danger.

My life, and therefore my honour, is in mine own hands." "Be not so mad," said Zanoni.

"Hark! do you hear the neigh of my steed ?--it is an alarm that warns us of the approaching peril.

Haste, or you are lost!" "Why dost thou care for me ?" said the girl, bitterly.