"But I don't love him. I love you!"
"I knew that, but he didn't. He knows now that we love one another, but he is ignorant that we are engaged. When the fact is publicly announced, he may give up his idea of marrying you, and so a quarrel may be averted."
"Are you afraid of quarreling with him?"
"Yes. Not on my account, but it distresses our good major to see us at variance. We nearly quarreled over you last night, though, upon my word," added the young man half to himself, "I believe Etwald promoted the row."
"Etwald!" repeated Isabella. "Dr. Etwald?"
"Yes; he is in love with you."
"I know he is," replied the girl, quietly. "But, of course, I could never be his wife; the more so, as I fear him. But Dido wishes me to marry him."
"Oh, hang Dido!" cried Maurice, vigorously. "I wish she would mind her own business."
At this moment, as if summoned by his remark, Dido appeared round the bend of the path. She looked straight before her, turning neither to right nor left, and passed the pair like one in a sleeping fit. The negress seemed to be under the influence of some strange excitement, and ran stumbling down to the gate.
"Voodoo! Voodoo!" she cried, hoarsely.