Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/302

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH "Only a Rebel," she said softly, "an uncompromising Rebel."

"This would seem to imply that politics alone interfere."

"The spirit of rebellion might cover much more; yet surely that is enough to make anything further between us impossible."

"But there will be an end to this present conflict. One side or the other must win."

"I—I wish you would release my hands, Lieutenant King," she said, her lips trembling. "However this war terminates it can make no difference in our personal relations." Her face lit up with a quick smile, as she took a step backward. "I am an uncompromising Rebel, you see; one of the no-surrender kind."

I stood erect, gazing at her, unable to find any words for further argument, and thoroughly bewildered as to her real feeling toward me. I could not determine whether the girl mocked, or spoke in sincerity, and could discover nothing in the expression of her face to yield me a clue. Perhaps she s better able to decipher my state of mind, for she said gravely:

"I wish you to go away before either Colonel Donald or Lieutenant Dunn returns. The latter will certainly attempt to hold you prisoner, and it will be better for the former not to be any further involved in this matter. If you depart now, I alone am responsible for the escape, and I am perfectly willing to assume the blame. You will find a horse waiting you in front of the house." [ 284 ]