Cowed by his authority, she could not but choose to obey, but as she started, she flung back one shaft:
"Better come with me, Liane, than stay with him, my dear. Remember my warnings about rich young men and pretty, poor girls! A beating is safer than his love!"
Liane's cheeks flamed at the coarse thrust, but Devereaux said earnestly:
"Do not mind her taunt, Miss Lester. I will always be a true friend to you, believe me!"
"You are a true friend already. From what horrors have you saved me to-night?" Liane cried, bursting into tears. "Your poor arm, how helpless it hangs! Oh, I fear it has been broken in my defense," and suddenly sinking on her knees, in an excess of tenderest gratitude, she pressed her warm, rosy lips to the hand that had so bravely defended her from insult and injury.
"Oh, you are a hero, you have saved my life, and I can never forget you!" she sobbed hysterically.
"Yes, my arm is broken; I must hurry back to town and have it set," he answered faintly. "I must let you go on to Miss Dorr's alone, but it is not far, and you are safe now. Good night," he murmured, leaving her abruptly in his pain.