"
"Peril?" I repeated. "Peril from whom? From Northmour?"
"Not so," she said. "Did you think I would tell him after what you
said?"
"Not from Northmour?" I repeated. "Then how? From whom? I see
none to be afraid of."
"You must not ask me," was her reply, "for I am not free to tell
you. Only believe me, and go hence - believe me, and go away
quickly, quickly, for your life!"
An appeal to his alarm is never a good plan to rid oneself of a
spirited young man. My obstinacy was but increased by what she
said, and I made it a point of honour to remain. And her
solicitude for my safety still more confirmed me in the resolve.
"You must not think me inquisitive, madam," I replied; "but, if
Graden is so dangerous a place, you yourself perhaps remain here at
some risk."
She only looked at me reproachfully.
"You and your father - " I resumed; but she interrupted me almost
with a gasp.
"My father! How do you know that?" she cried.
"I saw you together when you landed," was my answer; and I do not
know why, but it seemed satisfactory to both of us, as indeed it
was the truth. "But," I continued, "you need have no fear from me.
I see you have some reason to be secret, and, you may believe me,
your secret is as safe with me as if I were in Graden Floe. I have
scarce spoken to any one for years; my horse is my only companion,
and even he, poor beast, is not beside me.
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