Karl von Steinberg was almost frothing at the mouth with rage that he knew no fit means of expressing. He felt like those unfortunates of whom we have read, who were tied hand and foot, whilst those they loved best were tortured before their eyes, and they had no power to redress their wrongs. He longed to shake Leonora out of Hannah’s body, but what force could he use against air? He covered his face with his hands and gave vent to a groan, which seemed to rend his heart-strings. The vicious Spirit reviled his discomfiture with a mocking laugh of confidence. “That’s right! Groan away! That’s what all you mortals do, when you have committed the error and there is no remedy for it! Why didn’t you think of the consequences, when you made Hannah sit for you and the Professor, till she lost her spirits and her strength and her power to resist? And now you have had enough of me, and would like to send me flying! But you won’t! I’m in the body of your lawful wife, and if you don’t choose to live with me, you must make me a suitable allowance. I shan’t weep, I assure you. I shall much prefer it to your company! Bad taste in me, is it not? but the truth all the same!” “Allowance! I would give my whole fortune to ensure this poor child being set free from your evil influence. My God! the injury I have done her! How can I know the extent of it, or if it will ever cease? Poor ignorant Hannah! Heaven forgive us for bringing you within the toils of such a devil as this!” Leonora flaunted by him, and essayed to pass through the open door. But Von Steinberg prevented her. “No! by Heaven!” he cried, “if you will not quit her body, I can at least prevent your dishonouring it! If you _will_ stay, you must, but you will remain a prisoner in one room, and no eye shall witness your infamy and my disgrace.” He put forth his hand to detain her, but she rushed past him, to the landing. CHAPTER XX. The landing upon which their sleeping chamber opened, was a spacious platform, covered with a carpet of the softest dyes. It held a couple of settees--a towering palm in a majolica vase--a bronze statue, bearing a lamp--and a stand of flowering plants. Full, rich curtains drawn at the head of the staircase, partially concealed it from the public view, beyond which the marble stairs, supported by carved oak banisters, led down to the hall. It was a nook, fitted to form a boudoir in the warm weather, and was always heated in winter, like the rest of the house, by hot water pipes. As the Marchesa rushed out upon this landing, the Baron, unable to deter her action, followed as quickly as he could. He was fearful of what she might do, or say. In her state of excitement, which bordered on insanity, she might inform the entire household that she was not the woman she appeared to be, and make them think she was a lunatic. It was with the best intentions, therefore, that he pursued her.