"And how long do you remain in Bommel?"
"A week."
"Thank heaven! then we shall meet often. Have—have you yet seen the outlawed duke of Albany?" asked Gray; hesitating with the question, while burning with impatience for the answer.
"No," said Murielle, blushing in spite of herself; "I have declined."
Gray pressed her to his breast.
"You know then, dearest, of what the earl is capable," said he; "of forcing you to become the bride of another, who will further his designs and strengthen his power at home and abroad."
"Yes—yes," replied Murielle, weeping; "I knew it—already has he broadly hinted as much."
"Already!"
"And commanded me to obey; ah, pardon me for making this admission!" said she imploringly.
"Pardon you?" reiterated Gray.