Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/186

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH feel confidence in. I do not even believe you are as hard-hearted as your words would indicate. Shall I be entirely forgotten as soon as this episode is over? Will you not retain some kindly memory of me?"

"I could not be indifferent to the claim of gratitude."

"Nor can you refuse friendship while I show myself worthy—can you?"

She remained silent, a silence I did not understand, yet I was unwilling to accept it as a negative.

"You gave me your hand a few moments ago because you were frightened and nervous: it was a comfort then for you to feel the nearness of one upon whom you relied for protection. Will you not give me the same hand now in token of friendship?"

It seemed to me 1 waited a long while, my own heart beating like a trip-hammer, as she sat there motionless in the dark. Then there was a slight rustle of her loose sleeve, as her hand slipped hesitatingly along the arm of my chair. I held it for a moment in silence, not daring to utter the mad words which came thronging to my lips.

"I thank you," I said at last, "your friendship will mean much to me."

"I do not know why I am so foolish," she confessed, as though the words escaped her control. "Somehow you make me do things, even against my will."

"Is this against your will?"

"No; I think not; really I do not know. Our acquaintance has been so unconventional I scarcely realize my own feelings. I—I haven't liked Yankees, you [ 176 ]