It involved too monstrous an impossibility to seem to him to
be an outlet at all. What was the real meaning of all this? Then
suddenly an in-rushing suspicion flashed across his mind like a
blasting lightning brand, bringing with it a sharp pang, as of a
dagger stab in the heart. What was the meaning of all these
protestations of admiration and affection, coupled with a denial of
all that his passion drove him there in search of? Did it perchance
mean that this woman, so terrible in the power of her beauty, so
dangerously irresistible, would fain have the protection which his
position could give her, the supplies which might be drawn from his
purse, while her love--such love as he wanted from her--would be
given to a younger rival?
Suddenly he asked her, "When was the Marchese Ludovico here last?"
"The Marchese Ludovico?" said Bianca, carelessly; "oh, he is often
here. When last? Let me see: he was here this morning. As good and
noble a gentleman as any in Italy he is, too. He is worthy to bear
your name, Marchese, though it is only a poor girl like me that says
it."
"He seems to have won your good will, anyhow," said the Marchese,
frowning heavily. "What answer, I wonder, would he get if he were to
speak to you as I spoke just now?"
"He would never speak so, Signor Marchese; he would know that,
whatever might have been the case in past years, alas! it would be
useless or worse to speak so now.
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