Now,
young lady, it is about time to stop this quarrel, and come down to
facts. What are you going to do?"
"You insist?"
"Of course I do."
Her head sank upon her hand, and even from where I peered in upon them,
helpless to get away, equally helpless to aid, I could see her
form tremble.
"Then there is no escape, I suppose; I must keep my promise."
He touched her on the shoulder, indifferent to her shrinking away, a
sarcastic smile on his lips.
"I knew you would. I don't take this Yankee business seriously, only I
wanted you to know I understood all about it. You're too sensible a girl
to get tangled up that way. We'll drop it now, and I'll show you how
good I can be. May I kiss you?"
"I--I would rather not--not yet. Don't be angry, but I--I am not myself.
Where were you going?"
"To tell your father it is all settled. You must be ready when we come
back."
He paused with hand on the door looking back at her. There was a
moment's breathless silence; then her lips whispered:
"Yes."
I turned to look out into the black orchard, and then gazed back into
the lighted room. I knew not what to do, how to act. My remaining where
I was could be of no possible service to her, indeed my discovery there
would only add to her embarrassment, yet I had no reason to believe the
officer had left his seat yonder, and therefore dare not drop to the
ground.
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