Page:In Maremma, by Ouida (vol 3).djvu/15

 least he believed, I think, that he could protect you some way. He is not false.'

'Why are you concerned to praise him?'

'To praise or to blame, I try and say the thing I see. I do believe he spoke in honesty. If I had not believed that, I would not have brought the message to you.'

'Cannot you see his aim?'

'To save you! I can see no other.'

'Who so blind as those who will not see! He would do this thing, even if he did do it honestly, for the sheer sake of severing you from me. I know I injure you, I hurt you; I know I have no right to let the burden of my fate lie on you. Perhaps long ago I should have gone out into the light and called the soldiers sooner than bring this peril and trouble upon you. No doubt I have been a coward. No hunted man is brave'

'Do not think of that. You know—you know'

Her voice failed her; it was not easy to her to find words for what she felt.

'I know!—I know all your goodness to me, though of late you have been hard and cold'