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Le Gaire, if you say another word, I shall withdraw entirely." The Louisianian smiled grimly, but walked over to the weapon case, and picked up the two derringers, testing their weight, and the length of barrel. Hardy stared at him, his lips compressed. "Well," he burst forth at last, "are you satisfied, sir?" "I'll choose this," insolently, and dropping the other back into its place.
I can recall the scene now, clearly etched on my memory the outlines of the trees silhouetted against the sky, the dark shadow of the stables, the green, level turf, the two figures the one short and stout, the other tall and slender talking earnestly; the deep blue of the sky overhead, the steel gleam of the derringer in the open case, and Le Gaire loading carefully, his eyes now and then glancing across at me.
Anyway, I'm in this affair, and am going to stick, although if all they tell about Le Gaire is true I wouldn't give much for your chances of coming out whole." "He is a duellist then?" "Notorious; although, as near as I can learn, he has not had a serious affair for some time. He assured me once, when I ventured to question him, that he was through with that sort of thing.
I do not think I have ever been guilty of but one ungentlemanly act toward you, and that was unavoidable I mean listening to your conversation with Captain Le Gaire." She shuddered, and gave utterance to a little cry. "I loved you; with all my heart I loved you," I went on swiftly, driven by a sudden rush of passion. "What you said then gave me a right to tell you so."
Ever since I left you in the grape arbor I have been in your thoughts." "And why I was also about to marry Captain Le Gaire, I suppose," she interposed defiantly, but with eyes unable to meet mine. "I can comprehend that easily enough, helped by what I overheard. You cannot tell me you desired to marry Captain Le Gaire can you?" "No," for I stopped, and thus compelled an answer.
I heard the low responses, and counted them ten, the negro not answering. "All right, men," then, my voice hardening into a threat: "Now go ahead, Le Gaire, and remember I am next behind, and carry a revolver in my hand. Make a wrong move, lad, and you'll never make another." I could faintly discern the whites of his eyes, and heard one of the men snicker nervously. "Lead off!
He has been there for the last twenty minutes, and it is his presence which has made it impossible for me to get away. Can I escape in any manner through the house?" She shook her head, her glance wandering from the lighted room out again into the night. "No; there is only the one door." "Who are here besides Le Gaire and your father?"
I loathe the very thought; if I consent I know I shall regret the act as long as I live." "But, Billie," he urged earnestly, "what can have occurred to make this sudden change in you? Captain Le Gaire belongs to one of the most distinguished families of the South; is wealthy, educated, a polished gentleman. He will give you everything to make life attractive. Surely this is but a mere whim!"
Le Gaire was not the kind that wears well he could not improve upon acquaintance; and, while I was no connoisseur of women, yet I could not persuade myself that her nature was patient enough not to revolt against his pretensions. I was no egotist, no lady-killer, but I recognized now that I loved this girl, and had read in her eyes the message of hope.
On meeting Captain Le Gaire here, and learning of your advance, it was no longer necessary for him to proceed at once, and, as he was very tired, he was persuaded to lie down in a room upstairs. Waking, he naturally came down into the hall, knowing nothing of your arrival. Have I correctly presented the case, Major Atherton?" Her eyes challenged me, and I bowed. "A perfectly clear statement."
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