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Page 45
"Better than I had hoped," was the rejoinder; and he held out his hand
to Mary. She gave him hers, now cold as ice. He held it a moment, and
pressed it gently, saying: "You see my sister is going to run away on
the first intimation of danger. I hope she has not infected you with
her fears; though, to judge from your looks, I should almost predict a
stampede in another direction."
"Indeed you are quite right. Florry and I are going with her; though
we had decided on leaving before we knew she intended doing so."
"Ah! you did not seem to apprehend any immediate danger when we
conversed on this subject a few days since. What has changed your
views?"
"I have been warned not to risk the dangers attendant on the
approaching conflict by a Mexican friend, whose attachment I have
every reason to believe is sincere; and besides, it needed but little
to augment my fears: and Florry and I concluded, if practicable, to
remove to a place of greater safety."
"Can you be ready within two days, think you, Miss Mary? for, if we
leave at all, it is advisable that we do so immediately."
"Oh, yes! I know we can be ready by that time."
"Let me see--how many additional horses shall we need? Yourself, your
cousin, and aunt, and myself."
Mary looked eagerly at Mrs. Carlton; but she had averted her head; and
for a moment a terrible struggle within kept the gentle girl silent.
"Dr. Bryant, I know you do not wish to leave here at this juncture,
intensely interested as you are in the event, and I fear you are
sacrificing your own wishes for our benefit. Let me beg you to consult
your inclinations, and do not feel it in the least incumbent on you to
attend us, particularly when we are in the kind care of Mr. Carlton;
and you have already done so much toward contributing to our comfort."
"Thank you for your consideration. Nevertheless, I shall not rest
satisfied till I place you in safety on the banks of the Brazos. One
of my greatest pleasures has been to render you service, and you would
not abridge them, I hope, by refusing my company on your journey?"
Mary's eyes were fixed earnestly on his face while he spoke, and
though there was no change in his kind, gentle tone, there came an
undefinable expression over his noble countenance--an expression in
which coldness and sorrow predominated. She could not understand him;
yet a shudder crept though her frame, and a sensation of acute pain
stole into her heart. She felt as through a barrier had suddenly risen
between them, yet could not analyze the cause.
"Your servants will take all possible care of the house and furniture
during your absence, which, I hope, will be but temporary. They will
not be molested; and I am afraid we could not conveniently carry two
additional persons. What think you of this arrangement?"
"I think with you, that under existing circumstances the servants
could not well accompany us; and though they will incur no danger,
I regret the necessity of leaving them, particularly should they
object."
"I hope you will find no difficulty in arranging everything to your
entire satisfaction, previous to our departure. You and my sister must
consult as to all minor points, and I must look to our preparations.
My respects to your cousin. I will see you again to-morrow;" and
bidding her good morning, he turned away.
"Oh, such a weight is lifted from my heart!" exclaimed Mrs. Carlton.
"I can now exert myself as I am called on to do."
"Florry will be waiting for me, and we have much to do at home; so
good-by," and Mary lifted her pale face for a farewell kiss.
Mrs. Carlton affectionately embraced her, and bidding her "make all
speed," they parted.
CHAPTER XVIII.
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