How does
it happen that you have come into this hillside castle of mine?"
Young Mason saw a flicker of amusement in the eyes of the old man.
He was aware that in his muddy uniform he made no imposing figure,
but his spirit was as high as ever, and the touch of recklessness was
still there.
"I saw some men coming down the path," he replied; "men with whom I do
not care to associate, and I turned aside to avoid them. I beheld the
open door and stepped within, but I did not know the chamber was occupied,
and it was far from my purpose to intrude upon you or any one. I trust,
sir, that you will believe me."
The lad took off his cap and bowed. His face was now revealed more
clearly, and it was a fine one, splendidly molded, intellectual, and
with noble blue eyes. After all, despite the mud and stains, he made a
graceful figure as he stood there, so obviously confident of himself,
but respectful.
The spark leaped again from the eyes of Colonel Woodville, and,
remembering something, there was a slight warmth about the heart which
lately had been so cold and bitter.
Pages:
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284