"On the contrary, you understand me too well, Shaw," she said with a sigh. "Your heart rejoices at this moment at the misfortune of the woman you should defend."
The young man blushed.
"What can I do?" he murmured faintly.
"Everything, if you have the firm will," she exclaimed energetically.
"No," Shaw went on, shaking his head with discouragement; "the person of whom you speak is the old man's prisoner. I cannot contend against my father."
Ellen smiled contemptuously.
"You seek in vain to hide your thoughts from me," she said harshly. "I read your heart as an open book: your sorrow is feigned, and you really rejoice at the thought that in future you will constantly be by Doña Clara's side."
"I!" he exclaimed with an angry start.
"Yes, you only see in her captivity a means to approach her. Your selfish heart is secretly gladdened by that hope."
"You are harsh to me, sister. Heaven is my witness that, were it possible, I would at once restore her the liberty torn from her."