Loris hesitated before replying.
"I would surround you with all the luxury and pomp that money could command. I would make you the happiest of women."
"I demand an unequivocal reply. Would you make me your wife?" insisted the girl.
"Before God we would be man and wife."
"Count Drentell, would you brave the anger of your father and the opinion of the entire court and present me, the Jewess, as your wife?"
Loris looked for a moment at the flashing eyes of the indignant girl, and then his glance sought the floor.
"I do not deny," he said, at length, "that there would be grave difficulties in the way of such a step. I fear the court would never recognize a Jewess as the Countess Drentell. But what of that? It is but an idle formality. Even though the world do not know of our relationship, we will be none the less man and wife."
"In other words, you would make of me your puppet, your plaything, to be fondled to-day and cast aside to-morrow! You would have me renounce my family, my betrothed, my religion, my honor and my reputation, to become the creature of your pleasures until you weary of me! Vile wretch! you are a greater villain than I thought. Go, and never again darken my path with your presence."
Loris uttered a cry of fury. He had counted upon an easy victory over the poor Jewess, and he saw his wicked dreams rudely disturbed. With one bound he was by the side of Kathinka and wound his arms about her.
"So you think to brave me, poor fool!" he said, savagely. "You think to escape me! But I will have you yet; you shall be mine in spite of your petty scruples. If you will not come to my arms peaceably, I must use force; but come you shall!"