She looked up; in her eyes was a strange gleam that sent the young man’s pulses throbbing. Had he known her better he would have read a different meaning in that deep light.
She waited until the echoes of a crack of thunder died away, and then asked, very quietly, “Is it quite fair to press your question after all that has happened to-day?”
For the moment he was taken back. “Of course, you know, I don’t mean to take any advantage,” he stammered. “Certainly you are suffering, and I must wait your answer until you can think it over calmly. Is it very painful?”
“Oh, the ankle? I wasn’t thinking about it.”
“What, you ask? Oh, cannot you see, either? Must I tell you in so many words?”
“Burton!” he exclaimed. “It is of him you are thinking?”
“How could I forget—so soon? You said he would fly—even now he is probably a fugitive from jus—from the law.... It is a fitting night for such a tragedy in his life. And still, black as it all looks, I cannot think but he is more sinned against than sinning.”
“Your loyalty does you credit. Burton is fortunate in having such a friend.” Under the soft voice there was just the suggestion of a sneer.
“Nevertheless,” she said, ignoring his remark, “Burton will come back to trial, if indeed he ever leaves. His innocence will yet be established.”
“Your faith is equal to your loyalty,” he answered. “I wish I could have the same confidence. Indeed, I did believe in him until this latest development, but now—one must believe his eyes,” he said, with a shrug of the shoulders. “I suppose I shall lose the amount of his bail, but I forfeit it gladly for the sake of his liberty. I count such losses nothing, if only I may hope to gain—what I have asked to-night.”
“I cannot answer you now. You have been too good to me, and to my friend, to be denied without at least the courtesy of consideration.”
“Your words carry little encouragement. Listen. While I do not press for an answer, surely I may state my case. I can offer you much that appeals to every woman. I am not rich, but I have a profitable business. No woman in Plainville will be better provided for. In a few years I hope to have saved enough to enter business in a larger centre, and introduce you to circles where your personality will command the admiration it deserves. As for this boy——”