“A name which, in your eyes, is a synonym for Satan,” he said, with a smile. “Girl, I am not merciless; I love you truly—”
“This is no place to talk of love, Rafe Todd,” she interrupted him. “And besides, you know I would never listen to such words from your lips. I hate the deserter and detest the renegade.”
The words seemed to pierce his heart.
“Then you love ’Van Harris?”
“I do.”
“Then go and tell him so.”
As he spoke, he pointed to the prostrate rival, and the smile on his lips was the incarnation of deviltry.
She followed his hand, and, with a shriek started from his arms.
“Go and tell him that you love him,” repeated the villain, pleased with the pain he was causing the pure heart before him. “He won’t blush to hear the sweet confession now.”
For a moment she stood like a statue before the deserter, and then started toward the man who loved her truly.