"Am I to go in this manner? Have you no kind word for me? I love you
better than my soul. It is of small consequence to you, I know, but I
crave one forgiving word. It may be the last." He clasped her hand and
she did not withdraw it. Her lips were trembling, but her eyes were
brave and obstinate. Suddenly she sat down upon one of the chests. If he
had not told her of the other woman!
"Forgive me instead, for all that I have brought you to," she
murmured. "It was all my fault. I shall never forget you or forgive
myself. I--I am going back to Washin'ton immediately. I can't bear to
stay here now. Good-bye, and God bless you. Do--do you think we shall
ever see each other again?" Unconsciously she was clinging to his
hand. There were tears in the gray eyes that looked pathetically up into
his. She was very dear and enchanting, down there in the grewsome
passageway with the fitful rays of the lantern lighting her face. Only
the strictest self-control kept him from seizing her in his arms, for
something told him that she would have surrendered.
"This is the end, I fear," he said, with grim persistence. She caught
her breath in half a sob. Then she arose resolutely, although her knees
trembled shamelessly.
"Well, then, good-bye," she said very steadily. "You are free to go
where and to whom you like. Think of me once in awhile, Baldos. Here's
the key. Hurry! I--I can't stand it much longer!" She was ready to break
down and he saw it, but he made no sign.
Turning the key in the rusty lock, he cautiously opened the door. The
moonlit world lay beyond. A warm, intoxicating breath of fresh air came
in upon them. He suddenly stooped and kissed her hand.
"Forgive me for having annoyed you with my poor love," he said, as he
stood in the door, looking into the night beyond.
"All--all right," she choked out as she started to close the door after
him.
"Halt! You are our prisoner!"
The words rang out sharply in the silence of the night. Instinctively,
Beverly made an attempt to close the door; but she was too late. Two
burly, villainous looking men, sword in hand, blocked the exit and
advanced upon them.
"Back! Back!" Baldos shouted to Beverly, drawing his sword.
Like a flash, she picked up the lantern and sprang out of his
way. Capture or worse seemed certain; but her heart did not fail her.