“No, no! You can not understand it. But I could not go alone. I will explain it to you some time, but not now. There is no hurry.”
“Is Ah Ben anxious to keep you?” inquired Henley.
“On the contrary, he wishes me to go. You can not understand me, as I am quite different from other girls. Only take my word for what I tell you; and when the time comes, you will not desert me, will you?”
There was something wildly entreating in her manner and the tones of her voice, and a pathos which went to Henley's heart. What it all was about he could no more imagine than he could account for any of the mysteries at Guir House; but he was determined to stand by Dorothy, come what might.
Suddenly the girl had become quiet, rapt in some new thought. In another minute she placed her hand lightly upon Paul's shoulder, and said:
“Remember, you have promised!”
“I have promised,” answered Paul. “Is there anything more?”
“Yes,” said Dorothy.
She paused for a minute, as if what she were about to say was a great effort.
“Well,” he continued, “after I have got you safely away—which, by the by, does not seem such a difficult task, as no one opposes your going—but, after we have escaped together, what further am I to do?”