Then, as recognition dawned, he saw the shadow of fear darken them, and instantly dropped on one knee enclosing her with his arm.
"Ladybird, forgive me! You must never be frightened of me—never!"
The intensity of his low tone roused her half-awakened brain.
"But you were so angry, I was—afraid to come home."
"My God!" the man groaned under his breath. But before he could grasp the full horror of it all, she shrank closer to him, clutching at his arm, her eyes wide with terror.
"There's blood on me—look! It was—that man. Is it bad? Am I going—to die?"
"Not if human power can save you, my dear little woman. Mackay will soon be here."
But pain and fear clouded her senses, and she scarcely heard his words.
"Theo—I can't see you properly. Are you there?"
"Yes, yes. I am here."