It
was not natural love that made me follow him and wed him; it was a
power that he possesses--a magnetic thing--what they call the 'evil
eye' in Italy. I have been cruelly and wickedly wronged and I do not
deserve all that I have suffered, for it was the magic of hypnotism
or some kindred devilry that made me see him falsely and deceived
and drove me.
"From the time my uncle died at 'Crow's Nest' Doria has controlled
me. I did not know it then, or I would have killed myself rather
than sink to be the creature of any man. I thought it was love and
so I married him; then the trick became apparent and he cared not
how soon my eyes were opened. But I must leave him if I am to remain
a sane woman."
For an hour she spoke and detailed all she had been called upon to
endure, while he listened with absorbed interest. She often touched
Brendon's shoulder, often clasped his hand. Once she kissed it in
gratitude, as he promised to dedicate every thought and energy to
her salvation. Her breath brushed his cheek, his arm was round her
as she sobbed.
Pages:
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420