Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/346

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH have taken that away from me, and I can never again feel the same toward those on the other side. I—I will always remember you."

It was not that the words of confession meant so much, but the girl's manner, coupled with this unexpected change in sentiment, seemed instantly to alter our entire relationship. She still stood, holding aside the curtain, her eyes downcast, her cheeks flushed. One hand was unoccupied, and I clasped it within my own.

"Don't," she said, almost pleadingly, yet making no effort to draw away; "you must not misunderstand. You are going away now; you must go at once. It is not probable we shall ever meet again, only we are never to be enemies any more, not even in thought. I do want you to know that."

"I thank you for that little, Miss Jean."

"It is not little," and she lifted her eyes to mine, almost indignantly. "It is a great deal. I would not say to many even what I have said to you, and my life has been lived under conditions which enable me to trust few. I trust you; I—I even think I care for you; I—I wish to recall you in memory as a friend; but, of course, you understand, that is all."

"All?"

"Yes; you are going away now; it is best so. My life is here in the South with my people. This war will be over some day, and courts reestablished. I do not know. Lieutenant King, whether I am legally your wife or not, but if I am those courts will divorce me. I shall endeavor to get notice to you, so you will also realize [ 326 ]