Where was this fiery-eyed youth
now, who must surely have been of fighting age and temperament at the
time of the revolt? Had he been taken prisoner, and escaped along with
James Talbert, or merely been killed in the war? In any event the
mention of his name was bound to cause an emotional reaction in the
mother, which might lead him in turn to the girl. Like a skilled
fortune-teller he would draw her out, read the story in her face, and
follow where it led. Between pauses:
"What was this prisoner's name, you ask? Why, his last name appears to
be Scott. Could that be your son? Has he been here of late, to visit
you? Is it he
you are trying to protect? Is he in hiding along with Mary? Yes, of
course. That's it. They grew up together, did they not? Were they very
close, your strong, golden-haired son and fair, emerald-eyed niece?
They say that cousin is a dangerous relationship; surely there was an
attraction. Could they have been more than friends. . .even, lovers?"
At this Stephen's head jerked towards her, as if he had been scalded.
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