“I never did.”
“A frank confession! Did you, then, love any one else?”
The dark eyes fell, and the roseate glow again tinged the pearly face.
“Mute!” said the count, with an almost imperceptible smile. “Look up, Leoline, and speak.”
But Leoline would do neither. With all her momentary daring gone, she stood startled as a wild gazelle.
“Shall I answer for her, Sir Count?” exclaimed Sir Norman, his own cheek dashed. “Leoline! Leoline! you love me!”
Leoline was silent.
“You are to decide between us, Leoline. Though the count forcibly brought you here, he has been generous enough to grant this. Say, then, which of as you love best.”
“I do not love him at all,” said Leoline, with a little disdain, “and he knows it.”
“Then it is I!” said Sir Norman, him whole face beaming with delight.