United States or Saint Barthélemy ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"Have I your seat, sir?" coolly inquired Benjamin Vajdar of the man who had so lately promised to wring his neck. "Oh, no, certainly not," mumbled the doughty advocate, in considerable surprise and confusion, as he caught his breath and meekly looked around for a vacant place. A lightning-flash from the blond beauty's eyes and a mocking smile from the dandy rewarded this courteous forbearance.
"What, must I swear to you, then?" "No, give me the little key, and I shall be sure of gaining admittance." "I am almost afraid to trust you with it," objected the marchioness, with an arch look; "but still you shall have it there! And now guard it well, and be discreet." Vajdar kissed the hand extended to him and retired. The fair Cyrene turned again toward the stage and joined in the applause.
She wished to show her enemy that she dared leave her entrenchments and offer battle in the open field. "Caro Beppo," said she, turning to the servant, "clear the table, please, and then stay outside until I call you. Meantime, admit no one." The two were left alone, and Vajdar was free to say what he wished.
"The prince has promised to be a father to you if, as the result of a peaceful separation, he ceases to be your husband. A somewhat similar promise he has made to me also." "Does he intend to adopt you as his son?" asked Blanka. "Such is his purpose," replied Vajdar. "And what, pray, is his motive in this?" Benjamin Vajdar averted his face, as if contending with feelings of shame.
With Anna, Manasseh's twin sister, the girl whom Benjamin Vajdar had so cruelly wronged, Blanka felt already acquainted. They embraced without waiting for an introduction, and when they drew back to scan each other's faces, they could hardly see for the tears that filled their eyes. Blanka was surprised, and agreeably so.
What was it that gave one of these men such power over the other, like that of a lion-tamer over his charge? Manasseh himself took the vacated seat, without offering it to the advocate, and sat looking out of the window as long as Vajdar was in sight.
But instead of hanging weights and a swinging pendulum, the opening revealed another open door beyond, through which stepped a young man, Benjamin Vajdar. "So you've come at last?" the marchioness exclaimed. "Yes, and I have the key to the cipher despatches, too!" All smiles and caresses, the siren led her visitor to the table on which lay the mysterious correspondence.
With both hands Rozina drew the prince's head down and whispered in his ear: "She must die before this second marriage takes place." "I shall not meddle with destiny," returned the prince, straightening up again. "I shall be satisfied and ask no questions if Vajdar brings back a leaden casket containing the unhappy woman's remains.
And can you sit there while those two are happy in each other's embraces? Oh, coward! How long are you going to let them live?" Benjamin Vajdar did not venture to open his mouth. The marchioness drew a key from her bosom and held it before him. "Do you see that?" she whispered, while for an instant a smile lighted up her face.
A man of any delicacy would have accepted the situation and held his peace; but the prince took counsel of his factotum, a certain Benjamin Vajdar "
Word Of The Day