Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/151

I FACE FATE came from between her slightly parted lips. I felt obliged to continue speaking.

"I was endeavoring to escape, as I have explained, but now have decided otherwise and ask you to aid me."

"Ask me? Why should you ask me?"

"Because I feel that you sympathize with me; that you still have faith in my statements. A few moments ago I overheard you attempt my defence in the library."

"I—I do not think I defended you," the color coming back into her cheeks. "Indeed I do not remember what I said."

"You said you believed I was all I claimed to be, and that my behavior while with you was that of a gentleman."

"I—I could not say less," she confessed wonderingly, "but that does not imply I would connive at your escape. We are not friends, but enemies."

"War enemies possibly, but that is all I will ever admit. Nor will I ask of you any assistance which you cannot render in all honor to your cause."

"What is it you do ask?"

"That you will go with me now directly to those gathered in the library. I want to tell them my story, and let them judge as to its truth."

She hesitated, one hand pressed against the side wall, and I felt that her slight form was trembling, as she studied my face with widely opened eyes.

"Go to them? Do you suppose they will ever believe you?"

"I do not know; I hope I can make them. Yet it is [ 141 ]