Strona 154 z 439

The pitiful note in her voice, which he recognized instantly,

stirred him to the core. Astonished that she should be in the

mine and in trouble, he dashed forward, and his candle went out

in the rush. Groping in the darkness her hands encountered his.

His arms closed round her, and in her need of protection that

brushed aside conventions and non-essentials, the need that had

spoken in her cry of relief, in her hurried flight to him, she

lay panting and trembling in his arms. He held her tight, as one

who would keep his own against the world.

"How did you get here--what has happened?" he demanded.

Hurriedly she explained.

"Oh, take me away, take me away!" she concluded, nestling to him

with no thought now of seeking to disguise her helpless

dependence upon him, of hiding from herself the realization that

he was the man into whose keeping destiny had ordained that she

was to give her heart.