I am sought to be again put in durance, under duress, by a man who claims to be my humble servitor--who also claims to be a gentleman! It is most noble of you! I do not, however, comprehend." The dull flush on his face showed at least no weakening on his own part.

"Come now!" he exclaimed impatiently, "let us arrive at the issue." "And what honorable enterprise is it which you propose ?" "To make it short, Madam, I propose to take you home with me.

Now you have heard it." He spoke in a desperate, icy calm.
[Illustration: I propose to take you home with me.] "You flatter me! But how, if I may ask, do you intend to accomplish all that ?" "I have not thought so far along.

In peace, if you please: it would be much better." "But, my God!" she exclaimed, pausing in her walk up and down.
"You speak as though you meant these things! Could it be there, out there--beyond the great river--yes, my other jailer told me that we were not to stop this side! I suppose you are my new keeper, then, and not my friend?
Duty again, and not chivalry! Is that what you mean ?" "I hardly know what I mean," he answered miserably.

"I like all this no better than yourself.