Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/127



SAW her first, yet with no opportunity to escape, for almost instantly she perceived my presence, and flung up one hand, her eyes filled with apprehension. Fearful lest she should scream I remained motionless, but managed to say, "Do not be alarmed; I am not here to do injury."

I heard the quick breath hiss from between her lips; the uplifted hand grasped at a bar of the trellis.

"But what are you doing here? You—you are a Yankee!"

I bowed, lifting my hat, wondering if she had caught even a glimpse of me during our night's ride together, which would now serve to awaken her suspicion. But there was no look of recognition in the blue-gray eyes gazing so directly at me full of doubt, aversion, distrust.

"I command a scouting detachment back in the hills," I explained, "and came down here seeking information I thought might be gained from your negroes."

"Oh!" her lips setting more firmly over the white teeth. "What information? Perhaps you would like to question me?"

"I would indeed, but should have doubt as to the result." [ 117 ]