"Yes; I swear to do as you desire me."
"Whatever occurs, you will not open your eyes—whatever happens. You understand? even if you should feel yourself struck with a poniard."
"You bewilder me. My word of honor required with so much urgency?"
"Swear, then, Monsieur. It appears to me that you run no great risk in so doing."
"Well, I swear," said Maurice, "whatever may happen," closing his eyes.
He hesitated.
"Let me see you only once more—only once more," said he. "I entreat you."
The young woman let fall her hood, with a smile not quite free from coquetry, when, by the light of the moon, which at this moment shed its lustre between two clouds, he again beheld, for the second time, the raven hair hanging in masses of shining curls, the beautifully arched and pencilled eyebrows overshadowing the almond-shaped eyes, so soft and languishing, an exquisitely formed nose, and lips fresh and brilliant as coral.
"Oh, you are beautiful, lovely, divine!" said Maurice.
"Shut your eyes," said the unknown.