José — page 233: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

996 | JOSE. an instant’s hesitation she complied with the behest, and in a very short time seemed fast asleep. I waited until all about us was silent, not a sign betrayed that any of the Indians were yet awake, when I turned my head toward where she lay. ““<Jose, you cannot already be asleep,’ I said, softly; ‘I wish to say only a word to you.’ She did not answer, but the moonlight revealed the tumult- uous heaving of her bosom. ‘Jose,’ I continued, ‘why should two: persons whose skin is white, alone among savages, ignore each other as if they were not allowed to interchange a look? I have allowed myself to be carried away toward you; but if you could gaze into my heart, Jose, you would there read an excuse that should require no explanation, and you would surely not class me with those men who only merit your contempt.’ She slowly turned her head. ‘If, sir,’ she began, in a soft voice, whose deep, trembling accents thrilled me to my inner- most soul; ‘1f you would not destroy a young, home- less woman, who yet knows not where the end of her aimless journey may be—if you have but a thought of sympathy for grievous misfortune, speak not to me—recognize me not! Wecan have noth- ing in common that would lead to,good!’ “<Only an answer from you, Jose, and I will be silent, will obey your words because you demand it. We lie here bound, in the power of savages, and I should not talk of a hope for the future; but, assuming I should be as free again as I was and come to you for the purpose of unfolding my burst- ing heart——’ A motion as if she would make an attempt to leap up, interrupted me. ‘Ay, we are tied,’ she said, bitterly ; ‘Iam exposed to your words that recognize no condition save self-gratification ; Gomichbooks (E(0)