I feel partially absolved, however, for I do
not think you have forgiven me anything. At any rate I must ask
your pardon once more for having so needlessly and foolishly
imperilled your life. I say these words now because I may not have
another opportunity; we leave on Monday." With this she raised her
eyes to his with an appeal for a little kindness which Mrs. Alston
was confident could not be resisted. Indeed, she was sure that she
saw a slight nervous tremor in Ackland's hands, as if he found it
hard to control himself. Then he appeared to grow rigid. Lifting
his hat, he said gravely and unresponsively:
"Miss Van Tyne, you now surely have made ample amends. Please
forget the whole affair."
She turned from him at once, but not so quickly but that both he
and his cousin saw the bitter tears that would come. A moment
later she was hidden by the angle of the rock. As long as she was
visible Ackland watched her without moving, then he slowly turned
to his cousin, his face as inscrutable as ever. She walked at his
side for a few moments in ill-concealed impatience, then stopped
and said decisively:
"I'll go no further with you to-day.
Pages:
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352