Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/289

FROM BATTLE TO LOVE slowly. "You were still unconscious when I left a very few moments ago."

"You have been my nurse?"

"Lucille and I together; perhaps I may call myself the head nurse."

There was something about her manner which made me anxious to learn the truth as to my situation.

"Am I a prisoner, Miss Denslow?"

"You are not. Colonel Donald and I are not entirely ungrateful. You have been left here wounded, and in our care, but at liberty to depart whenever you are able, and desire to do so. We do not care to feel under obligations to you personally."

"You speak very coldly."

"As I have ample reason to. If Lieutenant Elbert King will be seated I will explain the situation more in detail."

I sank back into the chair, instantly aware that she knew me now, that the moment I had dreaded so long had arrived. There was a certainty in her tone which convinced me any denial would be useless. Loss of blood had left me weak and faint, yet I sat up straight enough, my hands on the arms of the chair, nerved by excitement to face whatever might be impending. The girl's voice was low yet clear, vibrant with feeling, but with no touch of anger.

"First I will explain briefly your present position," she began, "so that henceforth there can be no misunderstanding between us. During the retreat of your men—the majority of whom got safely away—your horse was shot, [ 273 ]