"Why?" cries out Lady Vera, startled.
He hesitates a moment. Why should he imbue her mind with the doubts and fears that fill his own? And she asks again:
"Why should I not go away, Colonel Lockhart?"
"Because you will need the protection of your friends," he answers, gravely.
"Do you think I am afraid of my enemies?" she asks, drawing her slight form proudly erect, and looking very brave and beautiful. "They may hate me as they will, but I defy them to harm me!"
"It is not their hatred but their love you have to fear," he answers, significantly.
"Love," she echoes, regarding him blankly.
"Leslie Noble's love, I mean," he answers, with an effort.
A low and mirthless laugh ripples over her lips.