Lovers 241

“I am coming,” he replied, calmly, though he
was not calm. “Take my arm, Babbie.”

She made a last effort to free herself from
bondage, crying passionately, “I will not let you
come.

“When I say I am coming,” Gavin answered
between his teeth, “ I mean that I am coming, and
so let that be an end of this folly. Take my arm.”

“T think I hate you,” she said, retreating from
him.

“Take my arm,” he repeated, and, though her
breast was rising rebelliously, she did as he ordered,
and so he escorted her from the garden. At the
foot of the field she stopped, and thought to
frighten him by saying, “ What would the people
say if they saw you with me now?”

“It does not much matter what they would
say,” he answered, still keeping his teeth together
as if doubtful of their courage. “As for what
they would do, that is certain; they would put
me out of my church.”

“ And it is dear to you Ee

“ Dearér thaty life:

“You told me long ago that your mother’s
heart would break if—

“Yes, I am sure it would.”

They had begun to climb the fields, but she
stopped him with a jerk.

“Go back, Mr. Dishart,” she implored, clutch-
ing his arm with both hands. “You make me
very unhappy for no purpose. Oh, why should
you risk so much for me?”

“T cannot have you wandering here alone at
midnight,” Gavin answered, gently.