"That is to be my part of the work, Geoffrey Benteen, not yours.

You will find hard enough task before morning, while there remains so little for me that I refuse to be robbed of any rights." I realized, watching her prepare our scant meal, that she was bravely endeavoring to appear gay, while her heart remained heavy from memory of her father.

Whether this assumed levity deceived De Noyan I cannot say--he was of a volatile nature, easily swayed by either smile or tear, and instantly joined responsive to her seeming mood.

I left them thus, engaged in pleasant badinage, while seeking some spot where I might bathe my heated face.

It was no small hardship to watch them thus together.
Seated upon the grass, lingering over the rude repast, we discussed our situation, seeking to outline vaguely our future plans.