Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/76

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH through the parted lips, and I lifted her slightly upon one arm, with head resting against my shoulder. I felt a slight trembling of the slender form, and realized, although I could see nothing, that her eyes were open. Suddenly she wrenched herself away from me, sitting erect, holding herself in that posture of protest by pressing her hands against the ground.

"Am—am I hurt?" she questioned, her voice tremulous, her mind apparently still dazed from the shock.

"You have had an ugly fall, and were rendered unconscious, but I do not think you are severely injured."

"And my horse?"

"The mare broke her neck."

She was silent for a moment, her breath rapid from excitement; then her head drooped, and I caught the sound of half-suppressed sobs.

"Please do not cry," I urged, with all a man's fear of a breakdown. "I am very sure you are not badly hurt, and you are too brave a girl tc give way like this."

In an awkward effort at comfort I placed my hand gently upon her shoulder. The slight familiarity aroused her instantly.

"How dare you touch me," she exclaimed, all signs of weakness vanishing. "I do not wish either your help or sympathy, you despicable Yankee spy."

"But listen first—"

"No, I will not listen; your words, your very presence is an insult. I would have killed you if I could; I will kill you now if you speak to me again, or make any attempt to follow me." [ 68 ]