Looking up and
catching sight of the dark, malicious face above her, its sensual leer
interpreted by the red ear brandished before her eyes, she sprang away
with a gasp. There was not one of the girls in the room who would have
thought twice about a kiss, or a dozen of them. One of their own
number who had made a fuss about such a trifle would have been laughed
at. But somehow they did not feel inclined to laugh at Desire's terror
and repugnance. They felt that she was different from them, and the
least squeamish hoyden of the lot experienced a thrill of sympathy,
and had a sense of something tragic. And yet no one interfered.
Hubbard was but using his rights according to the ancient rules of the
game. A girl might defend herself with fists and nails from an
unwelcome suitor, but no third party could interfere. As Jonathan, who
sat some way from his sister was about to run to her aid, a stout
farmer caught him around the waist crying, good naturedly:
"Fair play youngster! fair play! No interferin!"
Perez had sprung up, looking very white, his eyes congested, his fists
clenched. As Desire threw an agonized look of appeal around the
circle, she caught sight of him. With a sudden impulse she darted to
him crying:
"Oh, keep me from that man.
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