On Clancy and the hunter becoming engaged in their serious deliberation,
the sisters also exchange thoughts that are troubled. The first bright
flash of joy at their release from captivity, with Helen's added
gratification, is once more clouded over, as they think of what may have
befallen their father. Now, knowing who the miscreants are, their
hearts are heavy with apprehension. Jessie may, perhaps, feel it the
more, having most cause--for her dread is of a double nature. There is
her affianced, as well as her father!
But for Helen there is also another agony in store, soon to be suffered.
Little thinks she, as Clancy coming up takes her hand, that the light
of gladness, which so suddenly shone into her heart, is to be with like
suddenness extinguished; and that he who gave is about to take it away.
Gently leading her apart, and leaving Jessie to be comforted by Sime, he
says--
"Dearest! we've arranged everything for your being taken back to the
Mission. The brave backwoodsmen, Woodley and Heywood, will be your
escort. Under their protection you'll have nothing to fear. Either
would lay down his life for you or your sister. Nor need you be uneasy
about your father. From what this fellow, Bosley, says, the ruffians
only meant robbery, and if they have not been resisted it will end in
that only. Have courage, and be cheered; you'll find your father as you
left him."
"And you?" she asks in surprise. "Do you not go with us?"
He hesitates to make answer, fearing the effect. But it must be made;
and he at length rejoins, appealingly:
"Helen! I hope you won't be aggrieved, or blame me for hat I am going
to do."
"What?"
"Leave you."
"Leave me!" she exclaims, her eyes interrogating his in wild
bewilderment.
"Only for a time, love; a very short while."
"But why any time? Charles; you are surely jesting with me?"
"No, indeed. I am in earnest. Never more in my life, and never more
wishing I were not. Alas! it is inevitable!"
"Inevitable! I do not understand. What do you mean?"
With her eyes fixed oh his, in earnest gaze, she anxiously awaits his
answer.
"Helen Armstrong!" he says, speaking in a tone of solemnity that sounds
strange, almost harsh despite its gentleness; "you are to me the dearest
thing on earth. I need not tell you that, for surely you know it.
Without you I should not value life, nor care to live one hour longer.
To say I love you, with all my heart and soul, were but to repeat the
assurance I've already given you. Ah! now more than ever, if that were
possible; now that I know how true you've been, and what you've suffered
for my sake. But there's another--one far away from here, who claims a
share of my affections--"
She makes a movement interrupting him, her eyes kindling up with an
indescribable light, her bosom rising and falling as though stirred by
some terrible emotion.
Perceiving her agitation, though without suspecting its cause, he
continues:
"If this night more than ever I love you, this night greater than ever
is my affection for her. The sight of that man, with the thought I've
again permitted him to escape, is fresh cause of reproach--a new cry
from the ground, commanding me to avenge my murdered mother."
Helen Armstrong, relieved, again breathes freely. Strange, but natural;
in consonance with human passions. For it was jealousy that for the
moment held sway in her thoughts. Ashamed of the suspicion, now known
to be unworthy, she makes an effort to conceal it, saying in calm tone--
"We have heard of your mother's death."
"Of her murder," says Clancy, sternly, and through set teeth. "Yes; my
poor mother was murdered by the man who has just gone off. He won't go
far, before I overtake him. I've sworn over her grave, she shall be
avenged; his blood will atone for her's. I've tracked him here, shall
track him on; never stop, till I stand over him, as he once stood over
me, thinking--. But I won't tell you more. Enough, for you to know why
I'm now leaving you. I must--I must!"