The Midnight Queen [100]
A strange sort of smile came over the face of the count at this
direful threat, as if he fancied in that case, he was safe
enough; but Sir Norman, luckily, did not see it, and heard only
the suave reply:
"Certainly, Sir Norman; I shall be delighted to do so. Let us
stand over there in the shadow of that arch; and, George, do you
remain here within call."
The count blandly waved Sir Norman to follow, which Sir Norman
did, with much the mein of a sulky lion; and, a moment after,
both were facing each other within the archway.
"Well!" cried the young knight, impatiently; "I am waiting. Go
on!"
"My dear Kingsley," responded the count, in his easy way, "I
think you are laboring under a little mistake. I have nothing to
go on about; it is you who are to begin the controversy."
"Do you dare to play with me?" exclaimed Sir Norman, furiously.
"I tell you to take care how you speak! What have you done with
Leoline?"
"That is the fourth or fifth time that you've asked me that
question," said the count, with provoking indifference. "What do
you imagine I have done with her?"
Sir Norman's feelings, which had been rising ever since their
meeting, got up to such a height at this aggravating question,
that he gave vent to an oath, and laid his hand on him sword; but
the count's hand lightly interposed before it came out.
"Not yet, Sir Norman. Be calm; talk rationally. What do you
accuse me of doing with Leoline?"
"Do you dare deny having carried her off?"
"Deny it? No; I am never afraid to father my own deeds."
"Ah!" said Sir Norman grinding his teeth. "Then you acknowledge
it?"
"I acknowledge it - yes. What next?"
The perfect composure of his tone fell like a cool, damp towel on
the fire of Sir Norman's wrath. It did not quite extinguish the
flame, however - only quenched it a little - and it still hissed
hotly underneath.
"And you dare to stand before me and acknowledge such an act?"
exclaimed Sir Norman, perfectly astounded at the cool assurance
of the man.
"Verily, yea," said the count, laughing. "I seldom take the
trouble to deny my acts. What next?"
"There is nothing next," said Sir Norman, severely, "until we
have come to a proper understanding about this. Are you aware,
sir, that that lady is my promised bride?"
"No, I do not know that I am. On the contrary, I have an idea
she is mine."
"She was, you mean. You know she was forced into consenting by
yourself and her nurse!"
"Still she consented; and a bond is a bond, and a promise a
promise, all the world over."
"Not with a woman," said Sir Norman, with stern dogmatism. "It
is their privilege to break their promise and change their mind
sixty times an hour, if they choose. Leoline has seen fit to do
both, and has accepted me in your stead; therefore I command you
instantly to give her up!"
"Softly, my friend - softly. How was I to know all this?"
"You ought to have known it!" returned Sir Norman, in the same
dogmatical way; "or if you didn't, you do now; so say no more
about it. Where is she, I tell you?" repeated the young man, in
a frenzy.
"Your patience one moment longer, until we see which of us has
the best right to the lady. I have a prior claim."
"A forced one. Leoline does not care a snap far you - and she
loves me."
"What extraordinary bad taste!" raid the count, thoughtfully.
"Did she tell you that?"
"Yes; she did tell me this, and a great deal more. Come - have
done talking, and tell me where she is, or I'll - "
"Oh, no, you wouldn't!" said the count, teasingly. "Since
matters stand in this light I'll tell you what I'll do. I
acknowledge that I carried off Leoline, viewing her as my
promised bride, and have sent her to my own home in the care of a
trusty messenger, where I give you my word of honor, I have not
been since.