"Very well, Miss Willifred, it makes me feel like a knight going forth to battle under the eyes of his lady." The slight flutter of a ribbon at her throat caught my eye, and I touched it with my finger. "May I wear this in token of your good wishes?"
"You--you are not going to kill any one?"
"Not if it can possibly be avoided."
She was silent a moment, so still I could hear her breathing; then her hands undid the ribbon knot, and she held it toward me.
"I--I do wish you well," she said softly. "I--don't know why, but I do."
CHAPTER XIII
I MEET LE GAIRE
My hand touching her own seemed to work a sudden transformation. She was instantly upon her feet facing me, drawing back a little against the grape arbor.
"Do not take my words so seriously," she exclaimed. "I am excited, almost hysterical to-night. To-morrow I shall regret much I have done and said. But you must go, Lieutenant; every moment of delay adds to your peril and mine. No; please do not touch me or speak to me again; only listen--there is a bridle path leading directly from the farther corner of the stable to the river; a gate will let you out of the orchard lot; now go!"