Piet himself
laughed as if he had said something witty, and there was that in
the laugh that sent the colour naming to her cheeks.
She quivered with impotent indignation as she sat. She wished with
all her heart that Burke would kick him down the steps.
The sunset-light faded, and a soft dusk stole up over the wide
spaces. A light breeze cooled her hot face, and after the lapse of
a few minutes she began to chide herself for her foolishness.
Probably the man had not meant to be offensive. She was certain
Burke would never permit her to be insulted in his presence. She
heard the sound of hoof-beats retreating away into the distance,
and, with it, the memory of her dream came back upon her. She felt
forlorn and rather frightened. It was only a dream of course; it
was only a dream! But she wished that Burke would come back to
her. His substantial presence would banish phantoms.
He did not come for some time, but she heard his step at last. And
then a strange agitation took her so that she wanted to spring up
and avoid him. She did not do so; she forced herself to appear
normal. But every nerve tingled as he approached, and she could
not keep the quick blood from her face.
He was carrying a tray which he set down on a rough wooden table
near her.
"You must be famished," he said.
She had not thought of food, but certainly the sight of it cheered
her failing spirits.
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