Beadle's Dime Novels, No. 11 — page 57: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ANOTHER OFFER AND REFUSAL. 55 “Tf you will allow it, I prefer she shall remain,” replied Minerva, in the same language. The man frowned, but seemed to comply with the best grice he could assume. He then spoke again in Spanish, told her of Don Carlos’ deter- mination to seek her, of his unalterable decision to wed her, and ended with the declaration that unless she placed herself beyond his power, he would certainly find the means to possess her. “But, what shall I do ?” exclaimed Minerva, frightened and pale to the shade of death. s “Senora, I love you, I am well connected, T am rich, make me happy; as your lawful defender, you shall then have nothing to fear.” “© Heaven, pity me!” cried Minerva, aghast. “Senor Velasquez, I can not think why you have come thus to terrify and insult me. You know my circumstances, you should pity and protect me; it is cruel in you.” | “TI offer to protect you,” he said, his voice passion-smother- ed, “there is no, other way, you are young, lovely, and alone. To what scandal are you not subjected? Besides, there is a tie between Don Carlos and myself, we are both sworn brothers in a secret league. Unless you are my wife—” he made a long pause, “there is no safety for you. I am bound by an oath.” 3 . Minerva fell back a pace or two, then her strength leaving her, she sank upon a lounge near. — “Persecute and destroy me, if you will,” she said, at last>~ her voice husky with terror,“ but never speak a word of love to me again. I will not hear it, you have my final answer.” The proud lineage spoke then in the firm lip, just curved by scorn, in the flash of the eye, the swell of the nostril. - “ Senora, you invite your fate,” he said, in his smooth voice but his eyes glittered with illy restrained passion. “I have striven to avert, but I can do so no longer. Let me further tell you, that you can not hide from me, with all your wom- an’s ingenuity. I could penetrate through any and every disguise, it is not new work for me.” “No, I judge not,” cried Minerva, her scorn taking words ; “your honor has doubtless been compromised more than once in a similar business. I read that in your face from the first. com/{cbdooks.con