Forgive me, said he, forgive me; and his eyes flashed fire, and Elizabeth hid her face, and Rachel turned away her head.
Why, how now? said he, looking at both in astonishment, you appear to have a——
He stopped short ... he had an idea that he knew the character of both sisters well; he had been acquainted with Mary Elizabeth from her childhood up, and with her grave sister from her youth up, and he had always perceived that there was a something in the nature of both, but especially in that of Rachel Dyer, unlike the nature of anybody else that he ever knew; but he had never been so puzzled by either as he was now——
I hope I have not offended you? said he, at last.
Do thee feel safe George?
Yes ... but you are not safe ... ah, you may smile and shake your head, but you are not safe. How do you think the authorities of the land will endure to be told that you are on such familiar terms with the foe? Have a care ... you will get yourself into trouble, if you don’t.
Make thyself easy George. We are quite safe; we belong to neither side in the war, and both sides know it. By abiding here, I am able to do much good....
As how, pray?
By showing that I am not afraid to trust to the good-faith of savages; by showing them that they are safe in trusting to my good-faith, and above all, that weapons of war, whatever thee may say, George, are not necessary to them who put their trust in the Lord....
What if we were to entrap some of your visiters without your knowledge?