Promise.'
They were standing in the darkness by the wall. He drew her more closely
to him and his only answer was a kiss.
'If he does escape,' she said, 'I will go into court and tell what I
know, if it will help your brother. Perhaps I ought to tell the truth now
in justice and honour, but I cannot desert my father. There is something
here will not let me do that,' She pressed a hand to her bosom.
'No, you can't do that. I'm sorry for you, Chris. It's a hard fight. I
want to fight with you. By Heaven! you don't know how I could fight for
you.'
Her head had fallen upon his breast again; he felt her sob, and broke
into vehement speech--passionate assurances of love half spoken,
ejaculations, fierce endearments, tender words--then was as suddenly
silent again, and stood over her with his lips amongst her hair until her
mood passed.
'I will come to-night,' he whispered, when at length she ceased weeping.
'No,' she said, and she was strong again. 'In asking you to be silent I
make you false to your people. I do ask that, but no more. Harry, you
must not come again. Promise me you will not.'
'You'll come to me--we'll see each other?'
'No, dear. Better not, till this terrible business is over.'
Chris, I can't part like that.'
'You must, you must. Would you make it harder for me? Would you give me a
new burden of shame and grief?'
'I'd die for you! There's nothing I wouldn't do for you!
'Then do this, my true love.
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