"And, Betty, wherever we go we'll
go together, dear. Cavendish doesn't look as if he had any very
urgent business of his own, and I reckon the same is true of
Yancy, so I am going to keep them with us. There are some points
to be cleared up when we reach Belle Plain--some folks who'll
have a lot to explain or else quit this part of the state! And I
intend to see that you are not left alone until--until I have the
right to take care of you for good and all--that's what you want
me to do one of these days, isn't it, darling?" and his eyes,
glowing and infinitely tender, dwelt on her upturned face.
But Betty shrank from him in involuntary agitation.
"Oh, not now, Bruce--not now--we mustn't speak of that--it's
wrong--it's wicked--you mustn't make me forget him!" she cried
brokenly, in protest.
"Forgive me, Betty, I'll not speak of it again," he said.
"Wait, Bruce, and some time--Oh, don't make me say it," she
gasped, "or I shall hate myself!" for in his presence she was
feeling the horror of her past experience grow strangely remote,
only the dull ache of her memories remained, and to these she
clung. They were silent for a moment, then Carrington said:
"After I'm sure you'll be safe here perhaps I'll go south into
the Choctaw Purchase. I've been thinking of that recently; but
I'll find my way back here--don't misunderstand me--I'll not come
too soon for even you, Betty. I loved Norton. He was one of my
best friends, too," he continued gently.
Pages:
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401