Page 216 - The snake's pass

204 — THE snake's pass ; ;
"
" What missage ?
" Oli father ! don't make me speak ! We are not
alone ! Let me tell yon, alone ! I am only a girl—and
it is hard to speak."
His voice had a tear in it, for all its sternness, as he
answered :
"It is on a subject that this gentleman has spoke
to me about—as mayhap he has spoke to you."
! "
" Oh father —she took his hand, which he did not
withdraw, and, bending over, kissed it and hugged it
to her breast. " Oh father ! what have I done that
you should seem to mistrust me ? You have always
trusted me; trust me now, and don't make me speak
"
till we are alone !
I could not be silent any longer. My blood began to
boil, that she I loved should be so distressed—what-
soever the cause, and at the hands of whomsoever,
even her father.
" Mr. Joyce, you must let me speak ! You would
speak yourself to save pain to a woman you loved."
He turned to tell me to be silent, but suddenly stopped
I went on :— " Norah," he winced as I spoke her name,
" is entirely blameless. I met her quite by chance at
the top of Knocknacar when I went to see the view. I
did not know who she was—I had not the faintest
suspicion ; but from that moment I loved her. I went
next day, and waited all day in the chance of seeing her
I did see her, but again came away in ignorance even of
her name. I sought her again, day after day, day after