To Have and to Hold by Mary Johnston
page 29 of 420 (06%)
page 29 of 420 (06%)
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He repeated the question. She stood a minute in silence, her eyes upon the darkening sky. Then she said in a low voice, "Jocelyn Leigh." It was not the name I had watched the Cape Merchant strike off his list. I turned upon her and made her meet my eyes. "What is your name?" I demanded. "Tell me the truth!" "I have told it," she answered proudly. "It is Jocelyn Leigh." I faced the minister again. "Go on," I said briefly. "The Company commands that no constraint be put upon its poor maids. Wherefore, do you marry this man of your own free will and choice?" "Ay," she said, "of my own free will." Well, we were married, and Master Jeremy Sparrow wished us joy, and Kent would have kissed the bride had I not frowned him off. He and Belfield strode away, and I left her there, and went to get her bundle from the house that had sheltered her overnight. Returning, I found her seated on the turf, her chin in her hand and her dark eyes watching the distant play of lightning. Master Sparrow had left his post, and was nowhere to be seen. I gave her my hand and led her to the shore; then loosed my boat and helped her aboard. I was pushing off when a voice hailed us |
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