It was only an instant.

Then she was beside him again, and one arm around him, while she turned her head and glanced fearfully back at the lighted schoolhouse.

The faint music mocked them.
"And you dared to come to the dance?
We must go.

Look, there are horses! We'll ride off into the mountains, and they'll never find us--we'll--" "Hush! One day's riding would kill you--riding as I ride." "I'm strong--very strong, and the love of you, Pierre, will give me more strength.

But quickly, for if they knew you, every man in that place would come armed and ready to kill.