Why should so fair a temple be the
dwelling of a demon?"
A deep sob here told that kindlier feelings were at work; that nature
was beginning to assert her prerogative, and that the common sympathies,
the tender attributes, of woman were not extinguished.
The struggle was short, but severe. With difficulty she repressed the
outburst of her grief as she spoke.
"A woman still! 'Tis the garb nature put on. I have wrapped a sterner
garment about me." A long and bitter sob here betrayed the violent
warfare within. It was but for a moment. Affecting contempt for her own
weakness, she exclaimed--
"Throw it off? Expose me defenceless to his proud contumely? Even now
the cold glance of indifference hath pierced it through!"
Here she arose proudly.
"And what thinkest thou, if I were to stand unarmed, uncovered, before
his unfeeling gaze?"
"He loves thee," hastily rejoined the seer.
"Me!--as soon that bauble learn to love as"----
"Say but one word, and I will bow him at thy feet."
"'Tis well thou mockest me thus. To worm out my secret, perchance.--For
this didst thou crave my presence? Let me be gone!"
"Thou shalt say 'Yes,' Kate, ere thou depart!"
The curtain which divided the apartment suddenly flew aside.
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