Now,
then!"
He took the gag from her mouth, and Mollie caught her breath with a
gasp. He untied the bandage round her eyes, and for a second or two she
was dazzled by the sudden blaze of light. The instant she could see, she
turned full upon her abductor.
Alas and alas! he wore a black mask, a flowing wig, a beard, and a long
cloak reaching to the floor.
He was a tall man--that was the only thing Mollie could make out of the
disguise.
"Miss Dane does not spare me; but it is all in vain. She may gaze until
her lovely eyes drop from their sockets, and she will not recognize me.
And now I will leave you. I will intrude upon you as little as is
absolutely possible. If you need anything, ring the bell. Good-night,
my beautiful Mollie, and happy dreams."
He bowed politely and moved toward the door. Mollie made a step toward
him, with upraised arm:
"Stay!"
The man halted at once.
"How long am I to be imprisoned here?"
"My fair one, I told you before: until you consent to become my wife."
"Are you mad?" exclaimed Mollie, scornfully; "or do you think I am?
Your wife! I am here in your power--kill me, if you dare, you cowardly
abductor! I will die ten thousand deaths--I'll live on here until my
head is hoary--I'll dash my brains out against yonder wall, but I'll
never, never, never become your wife!"
The man shrugged his shoulders.
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