I
followed you half-way round the world and I shall follow you again and as
long as I live. And to-morrow--or the day after--I shall justify these
great kindnesses--this generous confidence; but to-night I have a work to
do!"
As they stood on the verge of the defile, by the bridge that swung out
from the cliff like a fairy structure, they heard far and faint the
whistle and low rumble of the night train south-bound from Washington;
and to both of them the sound urged the very real and practical world
from which for a little time they had stolen away.
"I must go back," said Shirley, and turned to the bridge and put her hand
on its slight iron frame; but he seized her wrists and held them tight.
"You have risked much for me, but you shall not risk your life again, in
my cause. You can not venture cross that bridge again."
She yielded without further parley and he dropped her wrists at once.
"Please say no more. You must not make me sorry I came. I must go,--I
should have gone back instantly."
"But not across that spider's web. You must go by the long road. I will
give you a horse and ride with you into the valley.
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