He drew a revolver, well hidden in the shadow, and waited.
"I understand. I have my bearings, too."
Warren stepped down, to the level of the floor.
"Wait," said Maria Theresa softly. "This little cross—it is a token which I wish my knight to wear in the tourney—to-night!"
She slipped the golden chain, and the simple religious emblem, over his head and about his neck, with a movement which was a wireless touchless caress.
"Only for to-night?" asked the Kentuckian, as he looked squarely into the crimson face above him;—how the roses and lilies played hide-and-seek beneath the soft skin of those clear features!
"You may never see to-morrow," she murmured, and she drew up the cross, from its pendent position, pressing it to her red lips with reverence.
The American spirit cried out within for honest self-expression.
"Then, if I never see to-morrow, forgive me for telling you to-night that I love you."
She would have spoken, but he raised his hand for silence.