“I would rather die!” Paolina stormed.
The Duke only laughed.
“Nonsense,” he said. “You are very young and very beautiful. Life is pulsating quickly through your veins. You would not lose it because a man loves you. And I promise you one thing, when I awaken your love in response to mine, you will thank me for keeping you alive.”
With a sudden panic Paolina turned and beat with her fists on the door.
“Let me out! Let me out! Help!” she cried.
Her voice sounded weak and ineffectual even to her own ears. The beautiful walls seemed to fling it back at her. She felt as if it could not be heard even a few feet away.
With a sense of utter impotency she turned once more to face the Duke.
“Is there no mercy in you?” she asked.
“None,” he responded. “All my life I have got what I want, and
