No, madame, I cannot do it.

I have but once to die and I prefer death here, to purchasing life at such a price." There was a short silence, during which they gazed into each other's eyes ominously, and one was about as colorless as the other.
"You refuse ?" she coldly said.
"I must! But if you can save my life, as you say, why not do it, and fly with me?
You will find me the truest and most grateful of friends, while life remains." "You are very kind; but I want no friendship, Sir Norman--nothing but revenge! As to escaping, I could have done that any time since we came here, for I have found out a secret means of exit from each of these vaults, that they know nothing of.

But I have staid to see him dead at my feet--if not by my hand, at least by my command; and since you will not do it, I will make the attempt myself.

Farewell, Sir Norman Kingsley; before many minutes you will be a corpse, and your blood be upon yourself!" She gave him a glance as coldly fierce as her dagger's glance, and turned to go, when he stepped hastily forward, and interposed: "Miranda--Miranda--you are crazed! Stop and tell me what you intend to do." "What you feared to attempt," she haughtily replied; "Sheathe this dagger in his demon heart!" "Miranda, give me the dagger.

You must not, you shall not, commit such a crime!" "Shall not ?" she uttered scornfully.