time your soldiers get here this blade will be in your heart. Are you married? Answer." Montefiore, who had fallen on the threshold of the door, scarcely a step from Juana, saw nothing but the blade of the dagger, the gleam of which blinded him. "Has he deceived me?" said Juana, slowly. "He told me he was free." "He told me that he was married," repeated Perez, in his solemn voice. "Holy Virgin!" murmured Dona Lagounia. "Answer, soul of corruption," said the Marana, in a low voice, bending to the ear of the marquis. "Your daughter--" began Montefiore. "The daughter that was mine is dead or dying," interrupted the Marana. "I have no daughter; do not utter that word. Answer, are you married?" "No, madame," said Montefiore, at last, striving to gain time, "I desire to marry your daughter." "My noble Montefiore!" said Juana, drawing a deep breath. "Then why did you attempt to fly and cry for help?" asked Perez. Terrible, revealing light! Juana said nothing, but she wrung her hands and went to her arm-chair and sat down. At that moment a tumult rose in the street which was plainly heard in the silence of the room. A soldier of the 6th, hearing Montefiore's cry for help, had summoned Diard. The quartermaster, who was fortunately in his bivouac, came, accompanied by friends. "Why did I fly?" said Montefiore, hearing the voice of his friend. "Because I told you the truth; I am married--Diard! Diard!" he shouted in a piercing voice. But, at a word from Perez, the apprentice closed and bolted the doors, so that the soldiers were delayed by battering them in. Before they could enter, the Marana had time to strike her dagger into the guilty man; but anger hindered her aim, the blade slipped upon the Italian's epaulet, though she struck her blow with such force that he fell at the very feet of Juana, who took no notice of him. The Marana sprang upon him, and this time, resolved not to miss her prey, she caught him by the throat.