If I have lately
seemed to avoid you, it has only been because I believed you wished it
so."
A slight flush tinged the pallor of her cheeks, while the long lashes
drooped over the eyes, concealing their secrets.
"Life is not always as easy to live aright as it appears upon the
surface," she confessed. "I am learning that I cannot always do just
as I should like, but must content myself with the performance of duty.
Shall we not be seated?"
There was an embarrassing pause, as though neither knew how to get
through the interview.
"No doubt you are rejoiced to be sent on active service again," she
said, at last.
"Yes, both as a soldier and as a man, Miss Naida. I am glad to get
into the field again with my regiment, to do my duty under the flag,
and I am equally rejoiced to have something occur which will tend to
divert my thoughts. I had not intended to say anything of this kind,
but now that I am with you I simply cannot restrain the words. This
past month has been, I believe, the hardest I have ever been compelled
to live through. You simply mystify me, so that I alternately hope and
despair.
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