“What takes him so long?” she said, finally, with impatience. “It is getting so late!”
“It is late,” he answered. “Almost too late to go on! You are weary and worn. Why not rest here to-night?”
“Rest here?” she repeated, with a start of surprise.
“You are not fit to drive farther. To-morrow we can return.”
“To-morrow!” she cried. “But––what do you mean?”
“That I must insist upon your sparing yourself!” he said, firmly, although a red spot flushed his cheek.
“No; no! We must leave at once!” she answered.
He smiled reassuringly. “Why will you not have confidence in me?” he asked. “You have not the strength to travel all night––over a rough road––after such a trying day. For your own sake, I beg you to give up the idea. Here you are perfectly safe and may rest undisturbed.”
“Please call the horses at once!”