You see, Senor Silva," I added, "that
there is at once a conflict of interests."
But Silva shook his head with a little smile.
"There is no conflict," he said. "If Miss Vaughan does not approve her
father's wishes, they are as though they were not!"
"I do approve them" the girl cried passionately, her hands against
her heart. "I do approve them!"
"All of them?" I asked.
She swung full upon me, her eyes aflame.
"Yes, all of them!" she cried. "Oh, Master, receive me!" and she flung
herself on her knees by Silva's chair.
CHAPTER XXI
THE VISION IN THE CRYSTAL
Silva laid a hand tenderly upon the bowed head, as though in
benediction, but I could have sworn there was unholy triumph in his
eyes. I caught but a glimpse of it, for he veiled them instantly and
bowed his head, and his lips moved as if in prayer. The kneeling
figure was quivering with sobs; I could hear them in her throat; and
my heart turned sick as I saw how she permitted his caressing touch.
Then, suddenly, she sprang, erect, and, without a glance at me,
hurried from the room.
There was silence for a moment, then Silva arose and faced me.
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