Page 65 (1/1)

"You cannot, Papa, you cannot! He is a British soldier!"

The still, close air see the room breathless Both my parents stared at me If it had not been impossible, I would have believed my mother's face showed relief My father's isted with pain and rage

"A soldier!"

"Yes, Papa! It happened while Mama and I were in Charles Town, in May!"

My father pivoted toward hter to be attacked? Did you not watch her carefully? Where were you when you should have been caring for your daughter?"

"She is a whore!"after any that will take her!" andher with the back of his hand, knocking her to the floor

She turned and looked up at hi herself up with her hands; blood trickled fro, and sank onto thecushion

My father strode froot to her feet and followed I leaned forward, sobbing, coveringwith horror and remorse After a time, I returned to my bed, and stared at the branches and leaves of the trees outside theThere was no breeze and the roo No one ca ht pain I swore to God that for the rest of ht was long and desolate I slept and woke, dreaht a rain shohich cooled the air I sat on thecushion, staring out at the trees once more

My father entered the room I did not look at hi overin," he said "I shall escort you there When the child is born, it will be adopted, and then you may return home"

I did not answer

"I will send your maid YouHe turned and left the room

Lily entered shortly I wanted to hiss at her, like an angry cat; I felt I could kill her for her betrayal of me I kept my eyes away from her I needed her to help me dress