this was an unnecessary injunction, at present; for emily was too certain, that her call would avail her nothing; and terror had so entirely disordered her thoughts, that she knew not how to plead to morano, but sat, mute and trembling, in her chair, till he advanced to lift her from it, when she suddenly raised herself, and, with a repulsive gesture, and a countenance of forced serenity, said, 'count morano! i am now in your power; but you will observe, that this is not the conduct which can win the esteem you appear so solicitous to obtain, and that you are preparing for yourself a load of remorse, in the miseries of a friendless orphan, which can never leave you.do you believe your heart to be, indeed, so hardened, that you can look without emotion on the suffering, to which you would condemn me?'---emily was interrupted by the growling of the dog, who now came again from the bed, and morano looked towards the door of the stair-case, where no person appearing, he called aloud, 'cesario!'
'emily,' said the count, 'why will you reduce me to adopt this conduct? how much more willingly would i persuade, than compel you to become my wife! but, by heaven! i will not leave you to be sold by montoni.yet a thought glances across my mind, that brings madness with it.i know not how to name it.it is preposterous--it cannot be.--yet you tremble--you grow pale! it is! it is so;--you--you--love montoni!' cried morano, grasping emily's wrist, and stamping his foot on the floor.
an involuntary air of surprise appeared on her countenance.'if you have indeed believed so,' said she, 'believe so still.'
'that look, those words confirm it,' exclaimed morano, furiously.
'no, no, no, montoni had a richer prize in view, than gold.but he shall not live to triumph over me!--this very instant---'
he was interrupted by the loud barking of the dog.