And after some while she questioned him in voice low and
troubled:
"O Joconde, art truly sleeping?"
"Fair lady," he answered, "let these my so loud snores answer thee."
Up sprang Yolande and, coming beside him in the gloom, cast back his
girdle, speaking quick and passionate:
"Take back thy dagger lest I be tempted to smite it to the cruel, mocking
heart of thee!" Then turned she stately back and left him, but, being hid
from view, cast herself down full length upon the sward, her pride and
stateliness forgotten quite. Now Jocelyn, propped on uneasy elbow, peered
amid the gloom for sight of her and hearkened eagerly for sound of her; but
finding this vain, arose and, creeping stealthily, presently espied her
where she lay, face hidden in the dewy grass. Thus stood he chin in hand
disquieted and anxious-eyed and wist not what to do.
"Lady?" he questioned at last; but she stirred not nor spoke. "Yolande!"
he murmured, drawing nearer; but still she moved not, though his quick ear
caught a sound faint though very pitiful.
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