when it is in some weak moments attuned to virtue, a threat, a
solitary threat would banish hence the heavenly inspiration, and the
fiend again triumph in its natural dwelling. Therefore, lady, threat me
not, for the man is inaccessible to fear, who, like myself, is a beggar
in happiness. Rest, lady, rest, and do not by an imprudent act, neglect
the opportunity which fortune affords you of escaping the fate with
which you are threatened."

There was an air of sullen yet dignified composure on the renegade, as
he delivered these words, and Theodora, in spite of her apprehension,
was for some time rivetted to the spot, waiting the disclosures of the
fearful man.

"I do not pretend," he proceeded, "to command your implicit confidence;
I only counsel you to rely on your own judgment and discretion. My
character you have drawn in colours dark and glowing, but, perhaps, too
true. Yet I must correct an erroneous impression under which you labour;
'tis true I am an apostate--a traitor--and if in the catalogue of
accursed crimes, there is a name still more horrid and abhorred, I claim
it; but to be subservient to the pleasure of a despot--no, no, you must
know me better. No," he added with warmth, "my deeds have been dark, but
not dastardly or contemptible; I have drunk deep the cup of crime--yes,
I have quaffed it with avidity, but my palate has always been nice
enough to scorn the dregs. Had any other than a woman dared to give
utterance to the base thought, ere this he would have added one more to
the list of those who have fallen by this arm. You are a woman, and a
woman in distress; the only consideration that could have restrained my
indignation for such an insult."

"What then wouldst thou with me?" demanded Theodora, somewhat reassured
by his words and manner.

"To befriend you, not to harm you, for I war not with women; the
solitary being that showed the feelings of humanity towards Bermudo
belonged to womankind, and the recollection of her virtues and her love
for me, would secure her whole sex from the effects of my wrath."

Theodora was struck with this asseveration. She could not reconcile
these symptoms of feeling with his previous acts, and his acknowledged
character for crime.

"Theodora," resumed the renegade, and his austerity of tone and manner
seemed momentarily to acquire a tint of softness uncongenial with his
habitual nature; "Theodora, I am a man of guilt; yea, one who plays his
part in this detest