The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900 ... - Gredos

The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900)
Even while he cogitated a sound was borne to him on the very wings of the storm which
sought to drown it: a shriek — a woman's shriek. He hastened forward along the path
down which she had disappeared, coming all at once to a spot where the trees grew
more sparsely, and where, in consequence, the wind had more scope to work its will.
There, straight in front of him, he saw a fallen tree, beneath a branch of which Madam
Charnock lay prostrate. In a moment Simon was by her side and had drawn her out into
the open; there was a purple mark upon her brow, and her eyes were closed. He lifted
her, and prepared to carry her out of the wood, for there was danger in every moment
they remained there. His heart stood still as he gazed down into the pale face — what if
she were already beyond the reach of danger?
[170]
A few rapid strides brought him once more to the gate where they had parted, and,
having carried her to a safe distance from the wood, he laid her on the bank by the side
of the road, fetched water in his hat from the stream hard by, reverently loosened her
cloak and hood, and bathed her brow. After a few moments she opened her eyes, and his
worst foreboding was dismissed; but her face looked drawn and ghastly, and her
faltering words terrified him.
"Simon," she said, "is this death? Oh my God, what will become of Rachel!” The dark
eyes, full of unutterable anguish, gazed up into the compassionate face which was bent
over her; at that moment it seemed the very embodiment of strength and tenderness. She
turned feebly, and clung to Simon's arm.
"I leave her to you," she murmured faintly. "Take her, Simon; promise me to protect her
— to take care of her."
"So help me God, I will!" said Simon solemnly.
[171]
CHAPTER XV.
I fold to-day at altars far apart,
Hands trembling with what toils? In their retreat,