The Twins of Table Mountain by Bret Harte
page 31 of 163 (19%)
page 31 of 163 (19%)
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crumbling beneath our feet."
"Let it crumble!" said the woman passionately. Rand surveyed her with profound disgust, then passed the rope around her waist, and half lifted, half swung her from her feet. In a few moments she began to mechanically help herself, and permitted him to guide her to a place of safety. That reached, she sank down again. The rising moon shone full upon her face and figure. Through his growing indignation Rand was still impressed and even startled with the change the few last months had wrought upon her. In place of the silly, fanciful, half-hysterical hoyden whom he had known, a matured woman, strong in passionate self-will, fascinating in a kind of wild, savage beauty, looked up at him as if to read his very soul. "What are you staring at?" she said finally. "Why don't you help me on?" "Where do you want to go?" said Rand quietly. "Where! Up there!"--she pointed savagely to the top of the mountain,--"to HIM! Where else should I go?" she said, with a bitter laugh. "I've told you he wasn't there," said Rand roughly. "He hasn't returned." "I'll wait for him--do you hear?--wait for him; stay there till he comes. If you won't help me, I'll go alone." |
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