Her first
glance fixed on the Pagan, whom she instinctively doubted and dreaded,
whose purpose in keeping captive the father and daughter she could not
divine; her next was directed on Antonina.
The girl's position was a guarded one; still holding her father's hand,
she was partly protected by his body; and stood unconsciously beneath
the arm of Ulpius, as it was raised while he grasped Numerian's
shoulder. Marking this, and remembering that Antonina had twice escaped
her already, Goisvintha hesitated for a moment, and then, with cautious
step and lowering brow, began to retire again towards the doorway of the
building. 'Not yet--not yet the time!' she muttered, as she resumed her
former lurking-place; 'they stand where the light is over them--the girl
is watched and shielded--the two men are still on either side of her!
Not yet the moment of the blow; the stroke of the knife must be sure and
safe! Sure, for this time she must die by my hand! Safe, for I have
other vengeance to wreak besides the vengeance on her! I, who have been
patient and cunning since the night when I escaped from Aquileia, will
be patient and cunning still! If she passes the door, I slay her as she
goes out; if she remains in the temple--'
At the last word, Goisvintha paused and gazed upward; the setting sun
threw its fiery glow over her haggard face; her eye brightened fiercely
in the full light as she looked.
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