‘Fiend in human shape,’ ejaculated Inez, ‘leave me! My soul freezes with horror as I listen to you! But I will not entirely despair, although you have bid me to do so; Heaven will interpose to prevent the execution of your base threats.’
‘Did Heaven interpose to prevent my getting you in my power?’ inquired Blodget, with a sardonic grin. ‘Once more I tell you, you shall be mine, and nothing shall save you!’
‘Never, villain!’ cried Inez.
‘Be cautions what you say, lady, lest you exasperate me,’ returned Blodget, with a threatening frown, which made our heroine tremble; ‘you forget that I could this day—this very moment—force you to a compliance with my wishes, and where is there one near at hand who could come to save you?’
‘By Heavens I would die first!’
‘Bah!’ sneered Blodget; ‘but I am tired of this useless contest of words; you know my determination, and rest assured that I will only await a very few days for your answer, and then, if you do not consent, you know the consequences.’
‘Once more I pray your mercy,’ said the distracted Inez, with clasped hands, and looks of earnest supplication; ‘beware! oh, beware! ere you proceed to extremities.’
‘You have it in your power to move me to pity and love, fair Inez,’ returned Blodget; ‘one smile from you, one word of affection from those ruby lips would act with the influence of magic upon me and make me quite a different man. Blodget would then live alone for love and you; and there should not be a pleasure which it should not be my constant endeavor to procure you.’
Inez turned from the villain with a look of the utmost disgust, and she groaned aloud in the intensity of her anguished feelings. Blodget advanced nearer to her, and sought to put his arms around her waist, but the action immediately aroused her, and retreating to the further end of the room, she fixed upon him such a look as awed him into immediate forbearance.
‘Still madly obstinate!’ he exclaimed; ‘but time must alter this proud beauty, and you must yield to the desires of Blodget, however repugnant it may be to your feelings. At present I leave you, but shortly you will behold me again, and then I trust that you will see the policy of giving me a more favorable reception than you have done this morning.’