own despite, and to which you would in time grow grateful.'
'That is betrayal. I have told you that rather than you should live to do it———'
Her eyes were full of fire; her breath came and went through her clenched teeth; an agony of fear made her ferocious; her hand, as it closed on the handle of the stiletto, trembled with passion; all the mercilessness of Saturnino was up and alive in her.
She longed to strike down this man who menaced her secret and her treasure.
Had he not been kindred to Joconda she would have struck, without giving him a choice.
'Do not make me kill you!' she muttered behind her shut teeth.
He disregarded her words. He said abruptly—
'Tell me one thing; you are not alone now?'
She was silent.
'Is that why you menace me?'
'What is that to you?'
'You say always, What is it to me! Well, it is much; more than you know, or would understand if you did know. I
