"
At this instant the hurried steps of a man were heard, and Victor
Marchand appeared on the terrace. Clara was already on her knees, her
white neck bared for the scimitar. The officer turned pale, but he ran
with all his might.
"The general grants your life if you will marry me," he said to her in
a low voice.
The Spanish girl cast upon the officer a look of pride and contempt.
"Go on, Juanito!" she said, in a deep voice, and her head rolled at
Victor's feet.
The Marquise de Leganes made one convulsive movement as she heard that
sound; it was the only sign she gave of sorrow.
"Am I placed right this way, my good Juanito?" asked the little
Manuelo of his brother.
"Ah! you are weeping, Mariquita!" said Juanito to his sister.
"Yes," she said, "I think of you, my poor Juanito; how lonely you will
be without us."
Soon the grand figure of the marquis came forward. He looked at the
blood of his children; he turned to the mute and motionless
spectators, and said in a strong voice, stretching his hands toward
Juanito,--
"Spaniards! I give my son my fatherly blessing! Now, _Marquis_,
strike, without fear--you are without reproach.
Pages:
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31