"Watched?" he cried incredulously. "Oh, fool that I am! I might have
known. And I have subjected you to--to--don't tell me that harsh things
have been said to you, Miss Calhoun!" He was deeply disturbed.
"General Marlanx saw you. He has threatened me, Baldos,--"
"I will kill him! What do I care for the consequences? He shall pay
dearly for--"
"Stop! Where are you going? You are to remain here, sir, and take your
commands from me. I don't want you to kill him. They'd hang you or
something just as bad. He's going to be punished, never fear!" Baldos
smiled in spite of his dismay. It was impossible to face this confident
young champion in petticoats without catching her enthusiasm. "What have
you done with--with that rose?" she asked suddenly, flushing and
diffident. Her eyes glistened with embarrassment.
"It lies next my heart. I love it," he said bravely.
"I think I'll command you to return it to me," vaguely.
"A command to be disobeyed. It is in exchange for my feather," he smiled
confidently.
"Well, of course, if you are going to be mean about--Now, let me see,"
she said confusedly; "what are your duties for to-night? You are to
stand guard in the corridor. Once in awhile you will go out upon the
balcony and take a look. You see, I am afraid of someone. Oh, Baldos,
what's the use of my trifling like this? You are to escape from
Edelweiss to-night. That is the whole plan--the whole idea in a
nutshell. Don't look like that. Don't you want to go?" Now she was
trembling with excitement.
"I do not want to leave you," he cried eagerly. "It would be
cowardly. Marlanx would understand that you gave aid and sanction. You
would be left to face the charges he would make. Don't you see, Beverly?
You would be implicated--you would be accused. Why did you not let me
kill him? No; I will not go!" Neither noticed the name by which he had
called her.
"But I insist," she cried weakly. "You must go away from me. I--I
command you to--"
"Is it because you want to drive me out of your life forever?" he
demanded, sudden understanding coming to him.
"Don't put it that way," she murmured.
"Is it because you care for me that you want me to go?" he insisted,
drawing near. "Is it because you fear the love I bear for you?"
"Love? You don't really--Stop! Remember where you are, sir! You must not
go on with it, Baldos. Don't come a step nearer. Do go to-night! It is
for the best. I have been awfully wicked in letting it run on as it
has. Forgive me, please forgive me," she pleaded. He drew back, pale and
hurt. A great dignity settled upon his face. His dark eyes crushed her
with their quiet scorn.