I will see what can be done to bring everybody to reason! I
will not believe but that if I remain firm and faithful to my heart's
integrity there will be some way of escape made between these two
alternatives."
But could Sans Souci do this? Had the frolicsome fairy sufficient
integral strength and self-balance to resist the powerful influences
gathering around her?
CHAPTER X.
A GRIM MARRIAGE.
As the decisive day approached, Jacquelina certainly acted like one
distraught--now in wild defiance, now in paleness and tears, and anon in
fitful mirth, or taunting threats. She rapidly lost flesh and color, and
in hysterical laughter accounted for it by saying that she believed in
her soul Grim was a spiritual vampire, who preyed upon her life! She
avoided him as much as she could. And if sometimes, when she was about
to escape from him, he would seize her wrist and detain her, she would
suddenly lose her breath and turn so pale that in the fear of her
fainting, he would release her. So he got no opportunity to press his
claims.
One morning, however--it was about a week before Christmas--she
voluntarily sought his presence. She entered the parlor where he sat
alone. Excitement had flushed her cheeks with a vivid crimson and
lighted her eyes with sparkling fire--she did not know that her beauty
was enhanced a thousand fold--she did not know that never in her life
had her presence kindled such a flame in the heart of her lover as it
did at that moment.
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