“Sometimes,” she said, “I have thought it worth a woman’s life thrown away that a strong man may succeed. Failure and sacrifice a woman may offer—not much more. But it is as my father told me!”
“He told you what?”
“That only chivalry would ever make you forget your duty—that you never could be approached through your weakness, but only through your strength, through your honor. I cannot approach you through your strength, and I would not approach you through your weakness, even if I could. No! Wait. Perhaps some day it will all be made clear for both of us, so that we may understand. Yes, this is torture for us both!”
He heard the soft rustle of her gown, her light footfall as she passed; and once more he was alone.
CHAPTER XI
THE TAMING OF PATRICK GASS
“
Shannon, go get the men!”