She did not reply; and bending his head nearer, he exclaimed passionately: "My own wife you are, and no man can change that,—never, never! And now, having gained you, I am content to await your pleasure. My lips shall be sealed until you choose to open them; and until you send for me, sweet mistress of my heart, I shall not come nigh you. Only, I pray you, in God's name, not to let the time be far away."
"Let me go," was all she could say, dismayed as she was by the weight of sorrow that had come to her, and threatened those whom she loved.
He released her without another word, and she fled swiftly to the house.
Having awakened Tyntie by tossing some bits of ice against her window, she soon gained entrance, and quieted the wonder of the faithful servant by telling her that there had been a street fight, and a gentleman had brought her home on his horse.
Despite the terrible struggle going on in her childish heart, Dorothy kept up bravely until alone in her own room, whose very familiarity seemed almost a shock to her, for all that had been crowded into these few hours made it as though weeks had passed since she arrayed herself for her brother's wedding,—little dreaming that it was for her own as well.
And such a wedding! How was it that the young Britisher had dared to do such a thing? How was it that she had come to sign the register so meekly? How could she ever dare tell of it? And if she did so, might not her revelation bring harm to him?
Such were the questions that chased one another through her mind, only to return again and again with renewed importunity.
She had told him to go, and yet—she loved him truly. And could she be loyal to her father's cause with such a love battling in her heart?
With thoughts like these the few remaining hours of the night wore away, bringing to her but snatches of fitful sleep.
Johnnie Strings appeared at the Devereux farm early the following morning. The red of his face was almost pale, and he was haggard and wild-eyed, with one of his arms in a sling.