gh and brave
as a young lion. He saw me and sprung at my throat--I held him down and
knelt upon his chest--she woke and gazed upon us, too terrified to
speak or scream--she only shivered and made a little moaning sound like
that of a spoiled baby. I looked down into her prostrate lover's eyes
and smiled. 'I will not hurt you,' I said. 'Had she not consented, you
could not have gained the victory. All I ask of you is to remain here
for a few moments longer.' He stared, but was mute. I bound him hand
and foot so that he could not stir. Then I took my knife and went to
her. Her blue eyes glared wide--imploringly she turned them upon
me--and ever she wrung her small hands and shivered and moaned. I
plunged the keen bright blade deep through her soft white flesh--her
lover cried out in agony--her heart's blood welled up in a crimson
tide, staining with a bright hue the white garments she wore; she flung
up her arms--she sank back on her pillows--dead. I drew the knife from
her body, and with it cut the bonds of the Venetian boy. I then gave it
to him.

"'Take it as a remembrance of her,' I said. 'In a month she would have
betrayed you as she betrayed me.'"

"He raged like a madman. He rushed out and called the gendarmes. Of
course I was tried for murder--but it was not murder--it was justice.
The judge found extenuating circumstances. Naturally! He had a wife of
his own. He understood my case. Now you know why I hate that dainty
jeweled woman up at the Villa Romani. She is just like that other
one--that creature I slew--she has just the same slow smile and the
same child-like eyes. I tell you again, I am sorry her husband is
dead--it vexes me sorely to think of it. For he would have killed her
in time--yes!--of that I am quite sure!"

CHAPTER VI.

I listened to his narrative with a pained feeling at my heart, and a
shuddering sensation as of icy cold ran through my veins. Why, I had
fancied that all who beheld Nina must, perforce, love and admire her.
True, when this old man was accidentally knocked down by her horses (a
circumstance she had never mentioned to me), it was careless of her not
to stop and make inquiry as to the extent of his injuries, but she was
young and thoughtless; she could not be intentionally heartless. I was
horrified to think that she should have made such an enemy as even this
aged and poverty-stricken wretch; but I said nothing. I had no wish to
betray myself. He waited for me to speak