Only there, in that haven of safety, dared the excited Justine to
falter. "If you knew what I have suffered! He drove almost over
me as I crossed the Chandnee Chouk, and I had a struggle to leave
Nadine. There is the curse of an old family sorrow there. The father
and daughter are arrayed against each other."
"Forget it all, my dear Justine," murmured Alan Hawke. "Here you
are hidden now and perfectly safe with me. Never mind those people
now. Let us only think of each other. You were simply matchless
in your behavior at the house."
"Oh, I fear him so! I fear that hard old man!" whispered the timid
woman, as she dropped her eyes before Alan Hawke's ardent glances.
He had noted the growing touch of coquetry in her dress; he measured
the tell-tale quiver of her voice, and he smiled tenderly when she
shyly showed him the diamond bracelet, securely hidden upon her
left arm.
"I put this on to show you that I do trust you," she murmured.
"And I wear it every night. It seems to give me courage." The happy
Major pressed her hand warmly.
"Let it be a secret sign between us, an omen of brighter days for
all of us. Stand by me and I will stand by you to the last. We will
all meet happily yet by the beautiful shores of Lake Leman!"
In half an hour, Justine Delande was completely at her ease, for
well the artful renegade knew how to circle around the dangerous
subject nearest his heart--the secret history of Nadine Johnstone's
mother.
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