Feeling the rebuke of my silence, she turned her head once more, and her questioning eyes again sought my face in the star-gleam.
"You must promise me," she insisted, firmly, although her sensitive lips trembled as she gave utterance to the shameful words.

"I am nothing else.

I am no white woman of your own race and class appealing for protection.

I cannot ask of you the courtesy a gentleman naturally gives; I can only beg your mercy.

I am a negress--you must not forget, and you must not let me forget.