Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/137

WITH JEAN DENSLOW, the doors unfastened. Please examine them for yourself."

"I feel quite ashamed of thus intruding—" I began, conscious of the growing restraint in her manner.

"It is unnecessary to apologize. I have long since learned this part of the incivility of war. My own home has been searched often enough by your soldiery. It is to save this house from such outrage that I have asked you to act in person."

"And I shall perform my duty with all respect."

I felt the swift glance of her veiled eyes was full of thanks, but the long lashes drooped so quickly that I gained barely a glimpse of the blue-gray depths. Yet even this set my heart throbbing as I opened the door nearest my hand. It was the front parlor, the furniture covered with linen protectors, a large, but gloomy apartment, with all the curtains closely drawn to shut out the sunlight. A single glance revealed its emptiness. In similar manner I examined the music room, the family sitting-room, the private chamber of the Judge, and a dining-room of regal proportions. To most of these I devoted no more than a cursory glance, but wherever doors appeared I entered and made certain of what they concealed, although Miss Denslow did not leave the hall, or endeavor, in any way, to accompany me. By this time we were beyond the foot of the stairs, nearly at the rear end of the great hall, and, as I emerged from the dining-room, she pointed to a small door farthest to the left.

"This is being utilized as a store room, and the key [ 127 ]