Glyndon turned pale, and started from his seat.
"You, Signor Zanoni! — you — and you dare to tell me so?"
"Dare! Alas! there are times when I wish that I could fear."
These arrogant words were not uttered arrogantly, but in a tone of the most mournful dejection. Glyndon was enraged, confounded, and yet awed. However, he had a brave English heart within his breast, and he recovered himself quickly.
"Signor," said he, calmly, "I am not to be duped by these solemn phrases and these mystical assumptions. You may have powers which I cannot comprehend or emulate, or you may be but a keen impostor."
"Well, proceed!"
"I mean, then," continued Glyndon, resolutely, though somewhat disconcerted —I mean you to understand, that, though I am not to be persuaded or compelled by a stranger to marry Viola Pisani, I am not the less determined never tamely to yield her to another."
Zanoni looked gravely at the young man, whose sparkling eyes and heightened colour testified the spirit to support his words, and replied — So bold! well; it becomes you. But take my advice: wait yet nine days, and tell me then if you will marry the fairest and the purest creature that ever crossed your path."
"But if you love her, why why "
"Why am I anxious that she should wed another? to save her from myself! Listen to me. That girl,
