Mary Anerley : a Yorkshire Tale by R. D. (Richard Doddridge) Blackmore
page 54 of 645 (08%)
page 54 of 645 (08%)
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"You can run again now; I am sure of it," said she; "and if you would like to do any thing to please me, run as fast as possible." "What have I to run away from now?" he answered, in a deep sweet voice. "I run from enemies, but not from friends." "That is very wise. But your enemies are still almost within call of you. They will come back worse than ever when they find you are not there." "I am not afraid, fair lady, for I understand their ways. I have led them a good many dances before this; though it would have been my last, without your help. They will go on, all the morning, in the wrong direction, even while they know it. Carroway is the most stubborn of men. He never turns back; and the further he goes, the better his bad leg is. They will scatter about, among the fields and hedges, and call one another like partridges. And when they can not take another step, they will come back to Anerley for breakfast." "I dare say they will; and we shall be glad to see them. My father is a soldier, and his duty is to nourish and comfort the forces of the king." "Then you are young Mistress Anerley? I was sure of it before. There are no two such. And you have saved my life. It is something to owe it so fairly." The young sailor wanted to kiss Mary's hand; but not being used to any gallantry, she held out her hand in the simplest manner to take back her riding skirt; and he, though longing in his heart to keep it, for a |
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