Volume I Part 63 (1/2)

He paused in extreme agitation, as if expecting a prompt reply.

Valerius was silent, he sought for an excuse--it was but a moment, but the bare appearance of hesitation on the father's part revolted the Corsican. The blood rushed to his handsome face, which, just before almost soft and mild, suddenly a.s.sumed an aspect of ferocity; a vivid red flush spread over his brown cheeks.

”Furius Ahalla,” he said hastily, ”is not accustomed to offer a thing twice. Usually my wares, at the first offer, are s.n.a.t.c.hed at with both hands. I now offer myself--by G.o.d! I am not worse than my purple----

”My friend,” began the old man, ”we no longer live in ancient times.

The new belief has almost deprived a father of the right to dispose of his daughter. My _will_ would give her to you and to no other, but her heart----”

”She loves another!” cried the Corsican, ”whom?”

And his hand caught at his dagger, as if he would gladly have killed his rival on the instant.

There was something of the tiger in this movement, and in the glare of his rolling eyes.

Valerius felt how deadly would be his hatred, and would not mention the name.

”Who can it be?” asked Furius, in an under tone. ”A Roman? Monta.n.u.s?

No! Oh, only--only not _he_--say no, old man! not he----” and he caught Valerius by the sleeve.

”Who? Whom do you mean?”

”He, who landed with me--the Goth! But yes it must be he--every one loves him--Totila!”

”It is he,” said Valerius, and kindly tried to take his friend's hand.

But he released it again in terror; a fearful convulsion shook the iron frame of the strong Corsican. He stretched forth his hand stiffly, as if he would strangle the pain which tortured him. Then he tossed back his head, and, laughing wildly, struck his forehead repeatedly.

Valerius observed this mad fit with horror. At last the arms of the enraged man slowly dropped, and revealed an ashy-pale face.

”It is over,” said Furius in a trembling voice. ”It is a curse that lies upon me. I am never to be happy in a wife. Once before--just before accomplishment! And now! I know that Valeria's influence and quiet composure would have brought peace into my wild life--I should have become different, better. And if this could not have been”--his eyes again sparkled--”it would have been almost equally sweet to murder the destroyer of my happiness. Yes, I would have wallowed in his blood, and torn his bride away from his corpse! And now it is _he_! He, the only being to whom Ahalla owes grat.i.tude--and what grat.i.tude!----”

He was silent, nodding his head as if lost in recollection.

”Valerius,” he then said, suddenly rousing himself, ”I would yield to no man on earth--I could not have borne to give place to another--but Totila! I will forgive her for not loving me, because she has chosen Totila. Farewell, Valerius, old friend. I go to sea; to Persia, to India--I know not whither--ah! everywhere I shall carry with me the bitter pain of this hour!”

He went quickly out, and immediately afterwards his arrow-swift boat bore him away from the little harbour of the villa.