Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/70

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH I paused in vain; there was no sound, no movement.

"It was because I knew how you dreaded that marriage with Calvert Dunn."

"And," she burst forth, "did you imagine I would prefer one with you?"

"Certainly not, but it saved you from him and from what might have proven a life-time of misery. You need never see me again, and any court would immediately grant you a divorce on the ground of fraud. I even doubt if such a marriage would be held legal."

"But—but, you do not understand," her words almost sobs. "I have ridden away with you. I am here alone with you now."

"My purpose is to leave you at Fairview. It will require no more than two hours from the time we left your people before we arrive there. No one need ever know the truth, excepting those anxious to protect your good name. You may trust me implicitly."

"Trust you—you! What, after all this? After your lies, your eavesdropping, your spying, your tricking of me into this awful situation? God forgive me! Married to a Yankee! Release my rein!"

I hesitated, the fierce flaming up of her anger so suddenly paralyzing my senses. There was a swift uplifting of her arm to a level with my head.

"I mean it! You thought me helpless, and—and in your power, but I am not. You drop that rein, or I'll fire. Oh, I can do it, you—you miserable Yankee spy! I hate and despise you!"

She drew back her horse, wheeling the animal about, [ 62 ]