Baron, still under the illusion that she
was yet but a submissive child, thought that her bad mood was
passing and would be gone in the morning. He little dreamed how
swiftly her mind was awakening and developing under the spur of
events. She did not yet know that her cousin was meditating such a
speedy consummation of his purpose, but was aware that he and all
her relatives looked upon her as his predestined wife. Now, as never
before, she shrank from the relation, and in the instinct of self-
preservation resolved never to enter into it.
Her long, rebellious reveries in solitude had prepared her for this
hour, and her proud, excited spirit surprised her by the intensity
of its passionate revolt. Not as a timid, shrinking maiden did she
look at her cousin and his men feasting on the piazza. She glanced
at him, then through the open windows at their burly forms, as one
might face a menace which brought no thought of yielding.
The family resemblance between Whately and herself was strong. He
had her blue eyes, but they were smaller than hers, and his
expression was bold, verging toward recklessness.
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