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"
Doctor," he whispered in a strange, tense voice, "you are mad. You do not know
what you ask. Virginia is not for such as you. Tell me that she does not know of
your feelings toward her. Tell me that she does not reciprocate your love. Tell me
the truth, man." Professor Maxon seized von Horn roughly by both shoulders, his
glittering eyes glaring terribly into the other's.
"I have never spoken to her of love, Professor," replied von Horn quietly, "nor do I
know what her sentiments toward me may be. Nor do I understand, sir, what
objections you may have to me--I am of a very old and noble family." His tone
was haughty but respectful.
Professor Maxon released his hold upon his assistant, breathing a sigh of relief.
"I am glad," he said, "that it has gone no further, for it must not be. I have other,
nobler aspirations for my daughter. She must wed a perfect man--none such
now exists. It remains for me to bring forth the ideal mate for her--nor is the time
far distant. A few more weeks and we shall see such a being as I have long
dreamed." Again the queer light flickered for a moment in the once kindly and
jovial eyes of the scientist.
Von Horn was horrified. He was a man of little sentiment. He could in cold blood
have married this girl for the wealth he knew that she would inherit; but the
thought that she was to be united with such a THING--"Lord! It is horrible," and
his mind pictured the fearful atrocity which was known as Number One.
Without a word he turned and left the campong. A moment later Sing's knock
aroused Professor Maxon from the reverie into which he had fallen, and he
stepped to the trap door to receive his evening meal.
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