"Can that heart," he exclaimed, "be so frozen by the frosts of winter, that it is callous to the voice of love? But no, it would be contrary to the law of nature, it is impossible! Maiden, you love another! I know it--answer me--is it not the truth? By heavens! I cannot brook a rival in your love, and he shall deeply rue it!" As the Count spoke, a blush did now for the first time rise on her cheeks and brow, and as he went on threatening his vengeance, with furious action against his rival, the colour again forsook her face, and left her as she then stood in an unintentionally commanding attitude; like some lovely statue of a goddess uttering her commands to mortals. "If my love is given to another, why ask me for what I no longer possess? but I say not, that it is so. Again I ask to depart; for in no way, while an unwilling prisoner, could I make any engagements with my captor." The Count advanced furiously again to seize her hand, but she started back a step from him. "Girl," he cried, "think you I can tamely submit to be thus despised, to have my love--my devotion trampled on. Again I ask you, consent to return here--to become my Countess! to accept my love, and you are free to depart; my carriage shall then convey you where you will." "It cannot be," answered Azila, firmly, "I have but to repeat my former words." "Rash girl, your obduracy has driven me to madness, and the blame must rest on your own head!" exclaimed the Count, again springing forward to seize her; but she calmly retreated, placing her hand beneath her vest. "Proud noble, forbear! I fear you not, for I venture not abroad without the means of defending myself, since you first taught me the necessity of so doing. Advance another step, and you either destroy me or yourself." The Count seemed again about to spring forward, when she drew a dagger from beneath her vest, and pointed it to her bosom. "See," she said, "my weapon is of so fine a tempered steel, that even my feeble arm will suffice to protect me." The Count stood astounded; he seemed fearful of advancing, and unable to speak, as she continued: "Now let me depart, lead the way and I will follow you. See! I hold my firmest protector to my bosom, so attempt not to stop me, or the first hand that is laid on me will be the signal of my death. I fear not to die, so think not to detain me; with full confidence I leave the boys of my tribe under your care." The Count exclaimed, "Inexplicable girl! you have conquered for a time; I now obey you! but you have kindled an inextinguishable flame within my bosom, which will consume us both. We must soon meet again. I will lead the way as you desire."