And oh, I was afraid to face the world's pure and honest face. How
could I? to think what I have lived through, all that I have seen,
these fearful years.' And she put her hands upon her beating temples.
'That is the talk of despair; and is utterly unworthy of any man or
woman. As to your guilt because of "voluntary residence," that is not
true. Besides, it would be difficult to show that it is voluntary;
especially when they found it necessary to raise these fears in your
mind in order to retain you here.
'Now _I_ have hope; and why should you despair. Suppose we seal
a compact between us to have as our highest aim our escape from this
den? Think you not that we could in good time accomplish it?'
'Oh, do not raise these hopes in me. Should they grow in my heart
and then be crushed again, I know not what should become of me. _I
could not live._'
'Well, this is my programme: To tarry here as best I may until the
spring. It would not be safe for me to venture away any sooner, for
the sleuth hounds are on my track. But the law's ire will have cooled
by that time; and together we should be able to make our way to the
American Republic.
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