She looked frankly at him. "I do mean just that. I am not heartless,
and I sincerely wish we had never met; but this must be the end."
"The end? And with no explanation?"
"There is no other way." He could perceive tears in her eyes, although
she spoke bravely. "Nor can I explain, for all is not clear even to
me. But this I know, there is a barrier between us insurmountable; not
even the power of love can overcome it; and I appeal to you to ask me
no more."
It was impossible for him to doubt her sober earnestness, or the depth
of her feelings; the full truth in her words was pictured upon her
face, and in the pathetic appeal of her eyes. She extended both hands.
"You will forgive me? Truly, this barrier has not been raised by me."
He bowed low, until his lips pressed the white fingers, but before he
could master himself to utter a word in reply, a distant voice called
his name, and both glanced hastily around.
"That cry came from the valley," he said. "I left my horse tied there.
I will go and learn what it means."
She followed him part of the way through the labyrinth of underbrush,
hardly knowing why she did so. He stood alone upon the summit of the
high bluff whence he could look across the stream. Miss Spencer stood
below waving her parasol frantically, and even as he gazed at her, his
ears caught the sound of heavy firing down the valley.