My lady of the South. Randall Parrish

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СКАЧАТЬ respect. I cannot bear to feel, however much it might be deserved, that you utterly despise me."

      "I acknowledge I do not; I believe what you have told me, that you merely yielded to circumstances in the hope of saving yourself, and thus gaining opportunity to perform what you consider an imperative duty."

      "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for saying that. Before we finally part would you accept my hand?"

      I knew she straightened stiffly back in the saddle, her hands pressed against the pommel.

      "Oh, no, I could not do that. You have no right to ask such a thing; not while you continue to wear falsely that uniform; not while you intend riding directly away from here planning to do injury to my people."

      I bowed, and turned away, hat in hand, toward the steps. Her voice halted me.

      "Be—before you knock," she questioned doubtfully, "would you tell me your name?"

      "Certainly, you will need to know that; I had forgotten. I am Elbert King."

      "An—an officer?"

      "Not commissioned; merely a sergeant of artillery."

      Whatever her secret thoughts might have been, they were securely hidden in silence and darkness. Young as ​she was in years she had already learned the lesson of control.

      "I thank you; that was all."

      I knocked twice before receiving any reply; then shuffling feet sounded within, and the voice of an aged man asked anxiously who was there.

      "An officer of the Tenth Georgia Cavalry," I replied readily. "I have a lady with me who has been injured by a fall from her horse."

      I heard him unbar the heavy door, opening it barely wide enough to peer cautiously forth. He had no light, yet I stood so close he doubtless was able to perceive my uniform. Before either of us could exchange words, the clear voice of the girl sounded from below.

      "It is all right. Judge Dunn; I am Jean Denslow."

      Our situation was explained in a few sentences, and, the Judge guiding me, I lifted her slender figure in my arms and bore her unresisting into the broad hallway. As he disappeared in a wheel chair propelled by a negro, seeking a light and assistance, I remained looking down to where I had deposited her on a comfortable haircloth couch.

      "Is there anything more I can do?"

      "No, nothing; I would much rather you would go before the others come."

      "That will probably be best," reluctantly. "Yet I am beginning to wish I might come back again."

      I heard the quick indrawing of her breath, but no spoken word.

      "You will answer nothing?"

      ​"Only that I wish to forget this night utterly, utterly. If you are indeed a gentleman you will understand, and go."

      There was certainly nothing more to linger for, nothing more to be said. I heard the stiff rustle of a dress on the stair, and knew her friends were coming down. My own night's work yet remained unaccomplished, and was urgent. I passed swiftly out and down the steps.

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