"
"And not the latter," continued the young man, with a quickness that
showed some sudden revolution in his thoughts. "But though with opinions
that are decided, and with kindness awakened in behalf of one favored,
thou hesitatest, Martha, it is not like that a girl left in the fetters of
savage life would so long pause to think. Even here in the settlements,
all are not difficult of judgment as thou!"
The long lashes vibrated above the dark eyes of the maiden, and, for an
instant, it seemed as if she had no intention to reply. But looking
timidly aside, she answered in a voice so low, that her companion scarcely
gathered the meaning of that she uttered.
"I know not how I may have earned this false character among my friends,"
she said; "for to me it ever seemeth that what I feel and think is but too
easily known."
"Then is the smart gallant from the Hartford town, who cometh and goeth so
often between this distant settlement and his father's house, better
assured of his success than I had thought. He will not journey the long
road much oftener, alone!"
"I have angered thee, Mark, or thou wouldst not speak with so cold an eye,
to one who hath ever lived with thee in kindness.
Pages:
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483