"
"But I brought George with me--"
"Yes, I know, but I want you to take Carrington--the Lord knows
what we are coming to here in West Tennessee; I must have word
that you reach home safe."
"Very well, then, I'll ask Mr. Carrington. Good-by, Charley,
dear!"
Norton seemed to summon all his fortitude.
"You couldn't have done a kinder thing than come here, Betty; I
can't begin to tell you how grateful I am--and as for my loving
you--why, I'll just keep on doing that to the end. I can see
myself a bent, old man still pestering you with my attentions,
and you a sweet, old lady with snow-white hair and pink cheeks,
still obdurate--still saying no! Oh, Lord, isn't it awful!" He
had lifted himself on his elbow, and now sank back on his pillow.
Betty paused irresolutely.
"Charley--"
"Yes, dear?"
"Can't you be happy without me?"
"No,"
"But you don't try to be!"
"No use in my making any such foolish effort, I'd be doomed to
failure."
"Good-by, Charley--I really must go--"
He looked up yearningly into her face, and yielding to a sudden
impulse, she stooped and kissed him on the forehead, then she
fled from the room.
"Oh, come back--Betty--" cried Norton, and his voice rose to a
wail of entreaty, but she was gone. She had been quite as much
surprised by her act as Charley himself.
In the yard, Carrington was waiting for her. Jeff had just
brought up Norton's horse, and though he made no display of
weapons, the Kentuckian had fully armed himself.
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