“How could you come back?” she cried. “I was told you had escaped!”
“Yes, I got away on one of their horses.”
“I pictured you safe on board!”
“I very nearly was.”
“Then why are you here ?”
“To get your forgiveness before I go.”
He took a step forward; her eyes and mine were riveted upon him; and I still wonder which of us admired him the more, as he stood there in his pride and his humility, gallant and young, and yet shamefaced and sad.
“You risk your life - for my forgiveness?” whispered
villainous a business; yet for Eva’s sake I was glad that he had; for my mind failed (rather than refused) to believe him so black as she had painted him.
The long, long afternoon that followed I never shall forget. The opiate racked my head; it did not do its work; and I longed to sleep till evening