hearth!"

The Neapolitan seemed startled by an earnestness and boldness he was but
little prepared for. He was not, however, a man easily intimidated or
deterred from any purpose he had formed; and, approaching Viola, he
was about to reply with much warmth, real or affected, when a knock
was heard at the door of the chamber. The sound was repeated, and
the prince, chafed at the interruption, opened the door and demanded
impatiently who had ventured to disobey his orders, and invade his
leisure. Mascari presented himself, pale and agitated: "My lord," said
he, in a whisper, "pardon me; but a stranger is below, who insists on
seeing you; and, from some words he let fall, I judged it advisable even
to infringe your commands."

"A stranger!--and at this hour! What business can he pretend? Why was he
even admitted?"

"He asserts that your life is in imminent danger. The source whence it
proceeds he will relate to your Excellency alone."

The prince frowned; but his colour changed. He mused a moment, and then,
re-entering the chamber and advancing towards Viola, he said,--

"Believe me, fair creature, I have no wish to take advantage of my
power. I would fain trust alone to the gentler authorities of affection.
Hold yourself queen within these walls more absolutely than you have
ever enacted that part on the stage. To-night, farewell! May your sleep
be calm, and your dreams propitious to my hopes."

With these words he retired, and in a few moments Viola was surrounded