are two ways in which, it can end, and two
only. I might kill you--other men of my race have killed the women who
trifled with them and deceived them. I could forgive you for what you
have made me suffer, if I saw you lying dead at my feet, child; that is
the first way. And the second--be mine--be my wife; that is the better
way."

"Never!" said Kitty, firmly, although her white lips quivered with an
unspoken fear. "Kill me, if you like. I would rather be killed than be
your wife now."

"Ah, but I do not want to kill you!" cried Hugo, his dark face lighting
up with a sudden glow, which made it hatefully brilliant and beautiful,
even in Kitty's frightened eyes. He left the door and came towards her,
holding out his hands and gesticulating as he spoke. "I want you to be
my wife, my own sweet flower, my exquisite bird, for whom no cage can be
half too fine! I want you to be mine; my own darling----. I would give
Heaven and earth for that; I have already risked all that makes life
worth living. Men love selfishly; but you shall be loved as no other
woman was ever loved. You shall be my queen, my angel, my wife!"

"I will die first," said Kitty. Before he could interpose, she snatched
a knife from the table, and held it with the point turned towards him.
"Come a step nearer," she cried, "and I shall know how to defend
myself."

Hugo stopped short. "You little fool!" he said, angrily. "Put the knife
down."

She thought that he was afraid; and, still holding her weapon, she made
a rush for the door; but Hugo caught her skilfully by the wrists,
disarmed her, and threw the knife to the other end of the room. Then he
made her sit down in an arm-chair near the fire, and without relaxing
his hold upon her arm, addressed her in cool but forcible tones.

"I don't want to hurt you," he said. "You need not be so frightened or
so foolish. I won't come near you, unless you give me leave. I am going
to have your full and free consent, my little lady, before I make you my
wife. But, this I want you to understand. I have you here--a prisoner;
and a prisoner you will remain until you do consent. Nobody knows where
you are--nobody will look for you here. You cannot escape; and if you
could escape, nobody would believe your story. Do you hear?"

He took away his hand from her arm. But she did not try to move. She was
trembling from head to foot. He looked at her silently for a little
time, and then withdrew to the door.

"I will lea