Never, till I saw you, did I care to look on a woman
for a second time; I never felt love. But, when I saw you--the first
time--the first hour--Bianca, I must have your love or die; I
thirst--I hunger for it. Since I have known you all my nature is
changed; all my old life is flat and unmeaning, and without interest
to me. I care for none of the things I used to care for; all--all
has melted and slipped away from me, and nothing remains but one
great devouring rage and passion--my love for you!"
He had spoken like a torrent, which, for a long time dammed up, at
last becomes too powerful for restraint, and bursts forth,
overthrowing all obstacles with its headlong flood.
Bianca turned her face away from him towards the back of the sofa;
but she slowly, and with an uncertain intermittent movement, drew
his hand over to her lips, and pressed it against them.
A light came into the Marchese Lamberto's eyes;--a gleam almost, one
would have said, rather fierce than fond, as he felt the pressure of
her lips; and a shock as from an electric spark ran through all his
body, making him quiver from head to heel.
"Bianca, Bianca! You are mine--you are mine!" he cried, pantingly,
with his mouth close to her ear, and encircling her waist, as he
spoke, with the hand which she had relinquished after she had kissed
it in the manner that had been described.
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