human
I think she was trying to tell me something, he said slowly.
gpt
She said it was a warning; but I paid no attention to her delirium. I believe she tried to impress upon me that I was in danger. But I was insanely anxious to meet you. She said something that I had heard before, that you and the twins had driven away the men who attacked and killed poor Fritz that night. And this much more I think I understand now, that the 'old man,' whoever she meant, had given her a beating, that the twins were shut up in the stable or somewhere, and that you were a good girl because you had given her all your school money. That much is clear to me now. And also that she was very anxious that I should get out of the country immediately--which seems to be the sentiment of the majority of the people out here. The old woman is no doubt insane.
human
Oh, yes, agreed the girl,
gpt
Yet she spoke convincingly, mused Livingston.
human
If I hadn't been so absorbed in the meeting I would have taken more heed of what she said. As it was, I passed her off as a little out of her mind. Of course, I knew you had no hand in that shooting at the corral, had you, Hope?
gpt
A ridiculous idea for that old squaw to get in her head,
human
I am glad, he said.
gpt
I don't know exactly why, but I am glad that it isn't so. I shouldn't like to think that you had done such a thing--for me.
human
The moon takes a long time to set, don't you think? she remarked.
gpt
It must be almost time for daylight.
human
Are you anxious?
gpt
How much longer must you be humored, dear? he asked, taking both of her hands within his own, and drawing her toward him.
human
I do not believe that the moonlight will tell lies. Look at me!
gpt
How bad you are--how wicked to talk to me so, to even think that I would care for you one minute! Surely you must realize that I know your past, _Lord_ Livingston! _Your past!_
human
You know my past, and yet you can condemn me, he said, pain and wonderment in his quiet voice.
gpt
Perhaps you are right. I haven't always been perfect. But I am not bad--Hope! Not _that_! I am a man--I try to be, before God. Surely you do not mean what you say, my girl--_Hope_!
human
You know just what I mean, said Hope, in a voice strained and harsh.
gpt
And you know it would be absolutely _impossible_ for me to love you!
human
Then there is nothing more to be said, replied Livingston, turning away from her.
gpt
We will not wait for the sunrise. I will go now.
human
Wait, she cried in absolute terror.
gpt
He stopped short, his back still toward her.
human
Please come back! she begged, approaching him,
gpt
I should die of fright! Somehow she reminded herself of Clarice.
human
Surely you will walk back to camp with me!
gpt
Yes, certainly, pardon me,
human
Your horse, said Livingston, reaching for the bridle.
gpt
I thought you walked.
human
No--yes, replied the girl.
gpt
I walked up the hill. The horse must have followed. We will walk down and lead it. It's too steep to ride down.
human
Come, shall we go?
gpt
Where have you been?
human
For a ride,
gpt
For the soldiers. To protect your ranch from the devils who would kill you and get rid of your sheep--this very hour!
human
And you have lured me here, away from danger--away from the side of my men, away from my _duty_, with all a woman's cowardice! _But what of them!_ You have called me bad! That may be, but I am not bad enough to be grateful to you for doing this, that you may, perhaps, have intended for a kindness! Anything would have been kinder to me than what you have done to-night.
gpt
Where are you going?