"Yes! Stand aside, and let me pass forth."
"One word more, fair virgin. I must try," continued she to herself, "my last card now. Her love outwits my invention. 'Tis a shield that turns aside all my shafts. I think I now know her weakness, and so will put it to trial. Suppose," she asked, in an indifferent tone, "this Robert of Lester should take offence at thee—"
"Well—" she said, with interest.
"And should ride from thee in anger—"
"Proceed—prithee—"
"And, being too proud to atone, lets his pride grow till it beget hatred and scorn of thee—"
"Well—"
"And so, from wounded love and rage, he forswears his noble name, and leagues himself with pirates; and, out of revenge to thee, goes forth to slay, and deluge the earth with blood and rapine!"
"Have you done?" she asked, in a tone of disdain for what she deemed the idle words of the speaker.
"I have," she answered, with a peculiar smile, that troubled and perplexed her. "But I would ask thee—wouldst love him then?"