When Lianor heard the subject of the conference between her father and
Tonza, her indignation was unbounded.
"How can you act so dishonorably, papa?" she cried angrily, "after
betrothing me to Luiz; now, because Tonza is rich and wishes to marry
me, you would break your word."
"But, my dear, think how different Manuel is to Falcam! He can give
you a beautiful home, and jewels such as a queen might envy, while the
captain can give you nothing."
"He can give me a brave, loving heart, which is worth all the world to
me! No; while Luiz lives I will be true to him. No other shall steal
my love from him," firmly.
"Is that the answer I am to give Tonza?"
"Yes. Thank him for the great honor he has done me; but, as I cannot
marry two men, I choose the one I love--who first won my hand and
saved my life."
When Manuel heard her answer he was filled with rage and hate.
"So--so," he muttered, a sinister look creeping over his face, "she
will not wed me while Falcam lives. But should he die--what then?"
To Lianor he was always gentle, trying by soft words and many little
attentions to win her regard; a very difficult task. Since her
father's conversation, she shrank as much as possible from him, hoping
he would understand her studied coldness.
Pages:
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221