'Tis but the report of those whom she
hath slighted with loathing and contempt, that hath raised this
apprehension in her disfavour. The churls know not what is hidden
beneath this outward habit of her perverse nature, and she careth not to
discover. Should some youth of noble bearing and condition but woo her
as she deserves, thou shouldest see her tamed, ay, and loving too, as
the very idol of her worship, or I would forfeit my best gift."
"But she hath a lover!" said Rodolf, gravely.
"Peradventure she hath, but not of her own choosing, or mine art fails
me. Look, this figure is the horoscope of her birth. Thou hast some
knowledge of the celestial sciences. The directions are so close worked
that should this night pass and Kate go unwed--indicated by Venus coming
to a trine of the sun on the cusp of the seventh house, she will refuse
all her suitors, and her whole patrimony pass into the hands of a
stranger; but"--he raised his voice with a solemn and emphatic
enunciation--"to-night! look to it! If not thine she may be another's."
The listener's brain seemed on a whirl; thought hurrying on thought,
until the mind lost all power of discrimination.
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