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 "Not to the man who has to stand guard over me," Lida retorted indignantly. "I won't stand for your following me any longer. And I tell you now I'll never marry you. I—I—I'll kill myself first. I want no more of your insults."

Marley ignored the words but indicating Bennet, asked: "Who's your friend?"

"A real friend and a true gentleman," replied Lida proudly.

"Your northern friend, I suppose?" Marley continued.

"Northern or not he's chivalrous enough not to impose himself on a lady when he's not wanted—and he's not cowardly enough to spy on a girl. He's too much of a gentleman for that," she ended.

Marley started toward the girl. Bennet quickly placed himself in front of her; menace in his attitude. "The lady has said that she wants none of your company.—You'd better go. Stand aside," he warned.

He took Lida's arm and walked by Marley, passing between him and the girl. When they had gone a few paces the latter turned to the couple. "So that's your northern white nigger is it. Well, we treat 'em all the same down here. Better watch out or he'll be decorating a tree too."

Neither Lida nor Bennet heeded the insults or taunt, though Bennet felt a tremor in his companion's arm. They passed on. When they reached the road that led to Lida's house, the girl turned to Bennet.

"I'm sincerely sorry I can't take you to my house tonight. I'll get word to you tomorrow, however, where we