Wait not, therefore, I implore you, for the dawning of
the day: it could never dawn to you. Rivers I know too well; he would
overreach you by some subtlety or other; and how easy, even while we
speak, to shoot you down through these uneven logs. Trust not, trust
not, I entreat you; there is a sure way of escape, and you still have
time, if at once you avail yourself of it."
The maid spoke with earnestness and warmth, for the terrors of her mind
had given animation to her anxiety, while she sought to persuade the
somewhat stubborn youth into the proposed and certainly judicious flight
she contemplated for him. Her trepidation had made her part with much of
that retreating timidity which had usually distinguished her manner; and
perfectly assured herself of the causes of her present apprehension, she
did not scruple to exhibit--indeed she did not seem altogether conscious
of--the deep interest which she took in the fate and fortunes of him who
stood beside her.
Flattered as he must have been by the marked feeling, which she could
neither disguise nor he mistake, the youth did not, how ever, for a
moment seek to abuse it; but with a habit at once gentle and respectful,
combated the various arguments and suggestions which, with a single eye
to his safety, she urged for his departure.
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