She fell away before his opening arms, and he stood still, mastering himself.
"That man," he said, jerking a backward thumb at the closed door, "lives or dies, goes free or hangs, as you shall decide, Hortensia." She looked at him, her face haggard, her heart beating high in her throat as if to suffocate her.

"What do you mean ?" she asked.
"You love him!" he growled.

"Pah! I see it in your eyes--in your tremors--that you do.

It is for him that you are afraid, is't not ?" "Why do you mock me with it ?" she inquired with dignity.
"I do not mock you, Hortensia.

Answer me! Is it true that you love him ?" "It is true," she answered steadily.