Part 13 (1/2)
Being a martyr is certainly a fine thing, but the position loses half its charm unless people know it. To complete her melancholy satisfaction, he-and he considered himself the martyr, not she!-must recognize it. If he would only turn and speak to her. This silence, this immobility, on his part, was unbearable.
She coughed gently and took a step or two across the floor toward him. He gave no sign that he heard her. How cruel he was! So despotic, so determined, so masterful! She abominated a masterful man! She coughed again, and this time a little more emphatically. Still no attention. It was discouraging!
There was a small mirror upon the wall of the room. Her eye in accordance with an instinct feminine, fell swiftly upon it. She lifted her veil to see how far the experiences she had gone through had affected her most potent talisman.
”Heavens!” she thought, ”what a fright!”
To take off her hat was the work of a moment. Her swift, subtle fingers busied themselves with her rebellious curls. Another glance rea.s.sured her a little. She felt more confident. She coughed again, but as before, he did not move.
”Mr. Sempland,” she said softly at last, in sheer desperation.
He turned on his heel as suddenly as if he had been moved by a spring, and faced her. He had been longing for a chance to recede from his position.
”Miss Glen,” he answered with depressing coldness.
”You-you-don't-seem very glad-to see me, sir.”
The moment was one of great importance to both of them; their future, the life and happiness of one, the honor and good name of the other, depended upon it-so they thought at least. The conversation accordingly began, as conversations under such circ.u.mstances usually begin, in trivialities.
”I am not,” he answered shortly and mendaciously as well.
”I suppose not. I noticed that you-your welcome-wasn't very cordial, I am sure.”
”I didn't mean it to be.”
”Why didn't you order me out of your room, then?” she went on with becoming humility.
”This room is not mine, I am a prisoner, madam. I have no choice as to my guests.”
”But you will soon be free,” returned the girl, quietly. ”That is, as soon as General Beauregard learns that I-I-”
”Give yourself no concern, Miss Glen,” he said loftily; ”I shall not betray you.”
”What! You won't tell him?” with a perfect a.s.sumption of profound amazement.
”I will not,” sternly.
”But they say-I heard-you are to-be-court-martialled.”
Her voice sank to a low whisper, as if she were awestricken by the heavy tidings.
”I am.”
”And that you will be found guilty-”
”I shall be.”