What is it prevents me from
putting you to death on the spot? Nothing. I have no fears, no loves, to
hold and keep me back. I live but for revenge, and that which stays and
would prevent me from its enjoyment, must also become its victim."
At this moment, Munro returned with a lamp. The affrighted girl again
appealed to him, but he heeded her not. He soon left the passage, and
the outlaw proceeded:--
"You love this youth--nay, shrink not back; let not your head droop in
shame; he is worthy of your love, and for this, among other things, I
hate him. He is worthy of the love of others, and for this, too, I hate
him. Fool that you are, he cares not for you. 'Spite of all your aid
to-night, he will not remember you to-morrow--he has no thought of
you--his hope is built upon--he is wedded to another.
"Hear me, then! your life is in my hands, and at my mercy. There are
none present who could interfere and arrest the blow. My dagger is even
now upon your bosom--do you not feel it? At a word--a single suggestion
of my thought--it performs its office, and for this night's defeat I am
half revenged.
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