Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/303

I TALK WITH JEAN "But do I leave you alone here?" I questioned, recalling the tragedies of the past few nights.

"There is a guard of five men about the place, so you need have no fear as to my safety. The others will doubtless return before nightfall."

There was certainly nothing of compromise in either words or manner. She evidently did not intend I should go away with any lingering doubt in my mind as to her determination.

"This, then, is to be good-bye?" I asked, unable to refrain from one last effort.

"Yes, Lieutenant King. It shall be a friendly parting, but good-bye nevertheless."

She held out her hand, and I took it, almost unconscious of the action, my eyes looking into hers.

"You will go? You will not make this any harder for me?" she asked, a note of appeal in the soft voice.

"Yes, I will go."

I lifted the hand to my lips, and she drew back with flushed cheeks, holding the door ajar, to glance back at me.

"I thank you—good-bye."

She was gone, and, feeling the reaction of weakness, I dropped back again into the chair, resting my head upon one hand. [ 285 ]