Page:Lady Barbarity; a romance (IA ladybarbarityrom00snai).pdf/102

 knew that sooner or later I must be caught. It then occurred to me that your kindness, madam, towards a rebel had probably exposed you to a severe penalty from a Government that respects not any person. Wherefore, I thought, should I deliver up my body in the very prison that I had lately broken, without any prejudice to my foes or to myself, the matter might be simplified, and as no one had been incommoded, your pardon would perhaps be made the easier."

I knew this for the truth, as the simple and deep sincerity of his words cast me in a miserable rage at my own impulsiveness. This speech had taught me that his behaviour, instead of being craven, verged perilously near the fine. And of course in the height of the mortified anger that I indulged against myself, the moon must choose that moment to throw her rays about the lad's white face, that made it even sterner and stronger than before.

"And," says I, "had it not been for thoughts of me, what had you done when you found your plight extreme?"

"A bullet would have done my business," he answered, with an eager, almost joyful, promptness, that showed how welcome to him was that prospect of escape. "Anything is kinder than Tyburn in the cart, madam. I would have you believe that even I have my niceties, and they draw the line at the ignominy of the mob."

I chewed my lips in silence for a time, and you may be sure should have been very willing to forget