at time in
Naples.

"Fair and cruel one," said he, advancing with a half-sneer upon his lip,
"thou wilt not too harshly blame the violence of love." He attempted to
take her hand as he spoke.

"Nay," said he, as she recoiled, "reflect that thou art now in the power
of one that never faltered in the pursuit of an object less dear to him
than thou art. Thy lover, presumptuous though he be, is not by to save
thee. Mine thou art; but instead of thy master, suffer me to be thy
slave."

"Prince," said Viola, with a stern gravity, "your boast is in vain. Your
power! I am NOT in your power. Life and death are in my own hands. I
will not defy; but I do not fear you. I feel--and in some feelings,"
added Viola, with a solemnity almost thrilling, "there is all the
strength, and all the divinity of knowledge--I feel that I am safe even
here; but you--you, Prince di --, have brought danger to your home and
hearth!"

The Neapolitan seemed startled by an earnestness and boldness he was but
little prepared for. He was not, however, a man easily intimidated or
deterred from any purpose he had formed; and, approaching Viola, he
was about to reply with much warmth, real or affected, when a knock
was heard at the door of the chamber. The sound was repeated, and
the prince, chafed at the interruption, opened the door and demanded
impatiently who had ventured to disobey his orders, and invade his
leisure. Mascari presented himself, pale and agitated: "My lord," said
he, in a whisper, "pardon me; but a stranger is below, who insists on
seeing you; and, from some words he let fall, I judged it advisable even
to infringe your commands."

"A stranger!--and at this hour! What business can he pretend? Why was he
even admitted?"

"He asserts that your life is in imminent danger. The source whence it
proceeds he will relate to your Excellency alone."

The prince frowned; but his colour changed. He mused a moment, and then,
re-entering the chamber and advancing towards Viola, he said,--

"Believe me, fair creature, I have no wish to take advantage of my
power. I would fain trust alone to the gentler authorities of affection.
Hold yourself queen within these walls more absolutely than you have
ever enacted that part on the stage. To-night, farewell! May your sleep
be calm, and your dreams propitious to my hopes."

With these words he retired, and in a few moments Viola was surrounded
by officious attendants, whom she at length, with some di