'i will have no more argument,' said montoni, with a look that made her tremble.'what had i but trouble to expect, when i condescended to reason with a baby! but i will be trifled with no longer: let the recollection of your aunt's sufferings, in consequence of her folly and obstinacy, teach you a lesson.--sign the papers.'
emily's resolution was for a moment awed:--she shrunk at the recollections he revived, and from the vengeance he threatened; but then, the image of valancourt, who so long had loved her, and who was now, perhaps, so near her, came to her heart, and, together with the strong feelings of indignation, with which she had always, from her infancy, regarded an act of injustice, inspired her with a noble, though imprudent, courage.
'sign the papers,' said montoni, more impatiently than before.
'never, sir,' replied emily; 'that request would have proved to me the injustice of your claim, had i even been ignorant of my right.'
montoni turned pale with anger, while his quivering lip and lurking eye made her almost repent the boldness of her speech.
'then all my vengeance falls upon you,' he exclaimed, with an horrible oath.'and think not it shall be delayed.neither the estates in languedoc, or gascony, shall be yours; you have dared to question my right,--now dare to question my power.i have a punishment which you think not of; it is terrible! this night--this very night'--'this night!' repeated another voice.
montoni paused, and turned half round, but, seeming to recollect himself, he proceeded in a lower tone.
'you have lately seen one terrible example of obstinacy and folly;yet this, it appears, has not been sufficient to deter you.--i could tell you of others--i could make you tremble at the bare recital.'
he was interrupted by a groan, which seemed to rise from underneath the chamber they were in; and, as he threw a glance round it, impatience and rage flashed from his eyes, yet something like a shade of fear passed over his countenance.emily sat down in a chair, near the door, for the various emotions she had suffered, now almost overcame her; but montoni paused scarcely an instant, and, commanding his features, resumed his discourse in a lower, yet sterner voice.