Leoline sprang to her feet with a wild scream, a cry full of terror, amaze, and superstitious dread; and the count raised his band with a self-possessed smile. “Pardon, fair Leoline, if I intrude! But have I not a right to come at all hours and visit my bride?” “Leoline is no bride of yours!” retorted that young lady, passionately, her indignation overpowering both fear and surprise. “And, what is more, never will be! Now, sir!” “So my little bird of paradise can fire up, I see! As to your being my bride, that remains to be seen. You promised to be tonight, you know!” “Then I'll recall that promise. I have changed my mind.” “Well, that's not very astonishing; it is but the privilege of your sex! Nevertheless, I'm afraid I must insist on your becoming Countess L'Estrange, and that immediately!” “Never, sir! I will die first!” “Oh, no! We could not spare such a bright little beauty out of this ugly world! You will live, and live for me!” “Sir!” cried Leoline, white with passion, and her black eyes blazing with a fire that would have killed him, could fiery glances slay! “I do not know how you have entered here; but I do know, if you are a gentleman, you will leave me instantly! Go sir! I never wish to see you again!” “But when I wish to see you so much, my darling Leoline,” said the count, with provoking indifference, “what does a little reluctance on your part signify? Get your hood and mantle, my love--my horse awaits us without--and let us fly where neither plague nor mortal man will interrupt our nuptials!” “Will no one take this man away?” she cried, looking helplessly round, and wringing her hands. “Certainly not, my dear--not even Sir Norman Kingsley! George, I am afraid this pretty little vixen will not go peaceably; you had better come in!” With a smile on his face, he took a step toward her. Shrieking wildly, she darted across the room, and made for the door, just as somebody else was entering it. The next instant, a shawl was thrown over her head, her cries smothered in it, and she was lifted in a pair of strong arms, carried down stairs, and out into the night. CHAPTER XVI. THE THIRD VISION.