Elfride slowly sank against Knight, and
looking down, he found by her soft regular breathing that she had
fallen asleep. Not wishing to disturb her, he continued still,
and took an intense pleasure in supporting her warm young form as
it rose and fell with her every breath.
Knight fell to dreaming too, though he continued wide awake. It
was pleasant to realize the implicit trust she placed in him, and
to think of the charming innocence of one who could sink to sleep
in so simple and unceremonious a manner. More than all, the
musing unpractical student felt the immense responsibility he was
taking upon himself by becoming the protector and guide of such a
trusting creature. The quiet slumber of her soul lent a quietness
to his own. Then she moaned, and turned herself restlessly.
Presently her mutterings became distinct:
'Don't tell him--he will not love me....I did not mean any
disgrace--indeed I did not, so don't tell Harry. We were going to
be married--that was why I ran away....And he says he will not
have a kissed woman....And if you tell him he will go away, and I
shall die. I pray have mercy--Oh!'
Elfride started up wildly.
The previous moment a musical ding-dong had spread into the air
from their right hand, and awakened her.
'What is it?' she exclaimed in terror.
'Only "eight bells,"' said Knight soothingly. 'Don't be
frightened, little bird, you are safe. What have you been
dreaming about?'
'I can't tell, I can't tell!' she said with a shudder.
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