to be protected from insult, to be guarded against exposure; more, she was the woman I loved.
But would she be in any less danger if I compelled her to return to Lewisburg? To be sure nothing worse than imprisonment would be her fate at the hands of the Federal authorities—but she would be exposed to indignities, to almost certain persecution from Raymond. If I understood the inner nature of the fellow his one thought now would be revenge, and he would halt at nothing in an attempt to attain it. I believed she feared him more than all else; that she would prefer the exposure and danger of the mountains rather than remain alone within the scope of his power.
"Noreen," I said, turning my face toward her. "Do you really think it best to try this ride with me?"
"You do not wish me to go?" she asked, as instantly reining up. "You want me to return?"
"No, not that. I have no thought, but for your own good. Only do you understand the perils through which we must pass in those mountains?"
"Yes, I do understand," she answered soberly, "and I comprehend, as you cannot, the danger of my returning to Lewisburg. I will never go back there; but, if you think it best for us to part, I will endeavor to reach Charleston alone."
