Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/152

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH not so important to me what they decide, for the one thing which impels me to such action is my desire to retain your confidence and faith."

"Mine?"

"Yes; we have not known each other long, and I am a Yankee, your war enemy, yet I sincerely desire your good opinion. I am ready to face those people in order to retain what little I already possess. You have openly defended me before them, and I cannot run away leaving you to believe me a coward, or worse."

That I was deeply in earnest she appeared to comprehend, her eyes drooping behind their long lashes, but she seemed to find difficulty in speech.

"I—I do not quite understand," she admitted at last, almost reluctantly. "You must not do this believing that I can help you, or—or that I am even inclined to do so. I believe you are a soldier, an honorable man, yet I am unreservedly against your cause. You surely appreciate this; know that it was my trick which imprisoned you."

"That has left no sting, Miss Denslow," I returned warmly. "That you outwitted me was natural enough, and I hold no malice. The one question now is, will you go down with me to the library? "

"May I enter my own room for a moment first?"

"I should prefer not; we have been here several minutes already, and I am afraid of discovery. I wish to go down voluntarily, with you alone."

She hesitated, her lashes again lifting, her eyes plainly puzzled at so strange a request.

"I begin to consider you a very odd man," she said [ 142 ]