The Letter and the Spirit (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 Excerpt: ...weakness brought back Betty's self-control. "You ought not to stay here in the sun," she said. "If I help you, can you walk to the house? It's only a little way." They slowly traversed the short distance, and when he was seated on the porch steps Betty tried several windows, hoping one might be unfastened and she could get into the house and open the front door for him. She wanted to find a place where he could lie down and rest. Going around to the kitchen entrance she saw that it was fastened by a padlock attached to an insecure staple. One pull and the staple came out. She entered and passed quickly across the kitchen and through the hall to the front door, which she opened without trouble, the key being in the lock. Durant had not yet begun to reason. He felt drowsy and was dreamily conscious of great happiness. Betty led him into the little parlour where a couch stood against the wall. She made him lie down putting her coat again under his head for a pillow. The room was close and she opened the windows and the green outside blinds. Finding a pail she went to the well and drew water to bathe his head again. "You seem fated to play nurse to me," he said, playfully apologetic. The wound had not bled much and he quieted her fears by asserting that he would soon be all right--after resting a while. He smiled contentedly when she dragged a high-backed rocker to the couch and sat down beside him. Her little hand felt softly caressing as it stroked his hair and hot brow. She laid cool compresses on his aching head, changing them when they grew warm. He seemed to be looking at her through a haze of shadows and saw her eyes resting on him with an expression that made his nerves tingle through his luxurious half stupor. He tried to ...