"God forbid. No! she has no means of hearing from me. And, if she had, I would rather die a thousand deaths than have that angel sister gaze upon my sufferings. It would add to them a thousand fold, and that would drive me mad."
"Are you ready to depart?" asked Branch, who entered the tent at that moment.
"Quite ready. Am I to walk?" asked Hayward.
"No, you are to ride. Do you prefer a horse or a carriage?"
"It matters very little, as the distance is not far," answered Hayward.
"Then I will send a horse around to your tent. I intend also to grant you a great favor!"
"I shall decline any favors at your hands!" replied Hayward.
"You did not hear what that favor is to be!"
"Well, sir!"