Crisis, the — Volume 05 by Winston Churchill
page 77 of 106 (72%)
page 77 of 106 (72%)
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and that they are under perfect control. If they were not, there are
enough regulars in the city to repress them." He paused. And she was silent, forgetful of the hub-bub around her. It was then that her aunt called out to her, with distressing shrillness, from the carriage:-- "Jinny, Jinny, how can you stand there talking to young men when our lives are in danger?" She glanced hurriedly at Stephen, who said gently; "I do not wish to delay you, Miss Carvel, if you are bent upon going." She wavered. His tone was not resentful, simply quiet. Ephum turned the corner of the street, the perspiration running on his black face. "Miss Jinny, dey ain't no carridges to be had in this town. No'm, not for fifty dollars." This was the occasion for another groan from the negroes, and they began once more to beseech her not to leave them. In the midst of their cries she heard her aunt calling from the carriage, where, beside the trunk, there was just room for her to squeeze in. "Jinny," cried that lady, frantically, "are you to go or stay? The Hessians will be here at any moment. Oh, I cannot stay here to be murdered!" Unconsciously the girl glanced again at Stephen. He had not gone, but was still standing in the rain on the steps, the one figure of strength and coolness she had seen this afternoon. Distracted, she blamed the fate which had made this man an enemy. How willingly would she have leaned |
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