“If you really loved me you would do so without exacting a promise that you know would break my heart.”
“You do not quite understand me. Were it not for that Yankee——”
Something in her looks caused him to stop.
“You refuse?” he continued with a look that she would never forget.
“Yes; I would not purchase life upon such conditions.”
“I am sorry. I hope you will never regret this course. I must go now. Do not blame me when the worst comes. If you change your mind I will fly to your rescue the moment you send for me. I am not so bad at heart as you think, only I had rather die than yield to a Yankee. Good-day.”
With a few parting words of encouragement to Boyd Wyman he went out of the house and mounting his horse rode away.
“Did he give you any reason for hope?” asked Wyman, as Mara returned to the side of his couch.
“None.”
“It is infamous!” exclaimed the scout, fiercely. “He told you of your brother?”