Yet she dare not show a
sign of haste or emotion lest he should suspect something amiss and
refuse to go.
"Dear, it is a wonderful plan this, of yours," Vardri was saying. "But
how can I leave you here alone with these devils? It makes me cold to
think of it."
"You'll leave me because I shall be safer alone. You _must_ see that,
_mon ami_." She clung to him, putting up her face towards his. Every
art of womanhood must be used to weave a spell to send him from her and
to save him. "Will you not do as I ask you?"
"I'll do anything in the world for you," the boy broke out eagerly;
"I'd have my hand cut off to save you a minute's pain."
"I know, _mon ami_. And this is such a little thing, and so much
depends upon its being done quickly."
What was that? A step on the ladder? She could not control a violent
start. No, it was only a creaking rung, a stamp from one of the mules.
"But you haven't broken your promise to me. You swear to come away
with me soon?"
"To-morrow if you will. Once the letters are burnt we are almost safe.
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