Activate Javascript or update your browser for the full Digital Library experience.
Previous Page
–
Next Page
OCR
tie,
“WILD MARGARET. =
“T cannot alter my opinion, even for so distinguished an
’ Italian as Prince Rivani.”’ =
‘‘That means that, as an Englishman, you regard us
with contempt, my lord?’’
Blair shrugged his shoulders.
‘*Your highness is at liberty to place any construction '
upon my words you please,” be sai
“Thanks, my lord. Even if I assume that you charge
us with cowardice?” . . :
‘‘Choose your own signification, prince,’”’ said Blair, be-
ginning to grow warm, though it was only pretense.
‘‘A nation of cowards!’ said Prince Rivani, his eyes
glittering at the success of the play. ‘* That isa brave as-
sertion; has the Earl of Ferrers courage to maintain it by
the only consistent and appropriate argument ?”’
‘*T can maintain it at the sword’s point, if necessary,” —
said Blair, rising to his full height, and meeting the.
prince’s deadly gaze with a steady, calm regard.
The prince bowed low, then turning slightly to the rest,
said in a low, clear voice: ;
‘Gentlemen, I call vou to witness that the cause of
quarrel is mine! Lord Ferrers has accused my country-
men of a base and vile cowardice. I shall have the honor
of defending them. As the Earl of Ferrers says, the
argument is not one for words, but weapons! Is that so,
my lord?” ~ . a
. “ Your highness interprets me correctly,” said Blair.
‘“Good! My friend, General Tralini, will have the honor
of waiting upon your lordship at a later hour.”
The prince drew him apart.
Blair got his crush hat and cloak, and approaching the
prince, bowed low, then, with a general salutation, he left .
the room. a
-It was a lovely night, and the air blew upon his brow
refreshingly, after the heat of the salon. -
He paused outside the great doorway, and stood look-
ing up at the sky—it was probable that it was the last
time he would have the opportunity of seeing the stars.
‘Then he drew his cloak’ round him, and was going on-
ward, when a woman, who had been. coming down the
street with her head bent and her face almost hidden —
in the'thin shawl she hugged round her, stopped, and see-
ing him, held out her hand, murmuring something in —
broken Italian.
Blair stopped and looked at her absently; then he started,
and taking her arm, drew her near a lamp.
‘Lottie!’ he said, -