Let us part as friends--separated only by our
different political faiths, but keeping all other faiths together--until
God shall settle the right of this struggle. Perhaps it may be soon--I
sometimes think it may be years of agony for all; but until then,
good-by."
She had slowly descended the steps to the patio, looking handsomer than
he had ever seen her, and as if sustained and upheld by the enthusiasm
of her cause. Her hand was outstretched towards his--his heart beat
violently--in another moment he might have forgotten all and clasped her
to his breast. Suddenly she stopped, her outstretched arm stiffened, her
finger pointed to the chair on which Susy's cloak was hanging.
"What's that?" she said in a sharp, high, metallic voice. "Who is here?
Speak!"
"Susy," said Clarence.
She cast a scathing glance round the patio, and then settled her
piercing eyes on Clarence with a bitter smile.
"Already!"
Clarence felt the blood rush to his face as he stammered, "She knew what
was happening here, and came to give you warning."
"Liar!"
"Stop!" said Clarence, with a white face. "She came to tell me that
Captain Pinckney was still lingering for you in the road."
He threw open the gate to let her pass.
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