44. CHAPTER XLIV.
EDITH AND SUMMERS.
When Edith and Charles Summers were separated from
the company, the former demanded a reply to her question.
“I am sure I cannot be mistaken,” said he; “for Wiry
Willy has informed me of the incidents in the city, wherein
you were an involuntary actor. It was in the market-place
I saw you. You were then flying from an implacable
enemy—from the most hideous and remorseless of monsters
that the earth has produced!”
“Surely you mean General Ruffleton! And it was there
I beheld you—it must be so. I recollect your features distinctly—but—”
“You have difficulty in recalling the part I bore, and I
do not wonder at it. You, then, were in male attire, and
I in the habiliments of my sex. I supposed it a boy I addressed,
and now you suppose one is addressing you.”
“Indeed! And is it not so? Now I remember, perfectly!
Summers—the same name! And you are a woman!”
“Even so. And, like yourself, a fugitive from the same
demon! I could not do much in your behalf—but your
condition inspired only feelings of kindness. May I hope
that in you I will find a protector?”
“Certainly. But—were you not a voluntary participant in
the scene—a jovial companion of the lawless mob?”
“True. Alas! I have only to confess my errors and lament
the sad fate which that man—oh, have pity!”
“I do pity you. And that man was your enemy?”
“The worst that ever an unprotected maiden had. My
mother, the only parent I could ever remember, sank into
the grave. I was left alone.”
“Yes! I pity you! And you fled the first opportunity?”
“After I learned his wickedness—I mean the duplicity
and wickedness of which he was capable. Yes, I have
abandoned him for ever! You must hate him as—”
“No. I hate no one, because it may not be justifiable.
But I would avoid him as some venomous reptile, and guard
others against his fangs.”
“And you will not betray my secret?”
“No—unless I deem it a duty.”
“Oh, I could tell you much—but not now. I hope it
may not be sinful to hate so great a monster! I have even
longed for an opportunity to be revenged—to see him expire—”
“Vengeance belongs not to us. Forgive, that you may
be forgiven.”
“Forgive Ruffleton?”
“Even him, if—but I am beckoned away.” And Edith
hastened to Alice, who had just separated from Blount at
the door of the President's office.
