For what had
become of the hornet's nest they left behind---Earl Arthur dead at
Lord Purceville's hand, Purceville himself murdered by a subordinate,
and Stephen half mad with rage---he could not imagine. Surely after a
time a new Governor would be appointed, and some kind of stability
return. But where that left his mother..... It was beyond
contemplation, almost beyond hope.
And this was what galled him. He had done all that a man could do,
winning freedom for himself, and for the chosen of his heart. And yet
he could not think of joining her life to his own, because the other
half of his devotion remained imprisoned and destitute. . .for the
crime of loving her children. Try as he might, he could not swallow
this last bitterness, nor put it from his mind.
The cottage door opened suddenly and in burst the girl, breathless and
in tears. He tried to ask her what was wrong, as dark fears of pursuit
and capture raced through him. But she shook her head emphatically,
unable yet to speak.
"You must come with me," she finally managed.
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