Five minutes later she was galloping down the black , wind-lashed river trail , on her way to town , to bring Elinor Blair to her lover 's deathbed . I hold that no woman ever did anything more unselfish than this deed of Tannis ! For the sake of love she put under her feet the jealousy and hatred that had clamored at her heart . She held , not only revenge , but the dearer joy of watching by Carey to the last , in the hollow of her hand , and she cast both away that the man she loved might draw his dying breath somewhat easier . In a white woman the deed would have been merely commendable . In Tannis of the Flats , with her ancestry and tradition , it was lofty self-sacrifice . It was eight o'clock when Tannis left the Flats ; it was ten when she drew bridle before the house on the bluff . Elinor was regaling Tom and his wife with Avonlea gossip when the maid came to the door . `` Pleas 'm , there 's a breed girl out on the verandah and she 's asking for Miss Blair . '' Elinor went out wonderingly , followed by Tom . Tannis , whip in hand , stood by the open door , with the stormy night behind her , and the warm ruby light of the hall lamp showering over her white face and the long rope of drenched hair that fell from her bare head . She looked wild enough . `` Jerome Carey was shot in a quarrel at Joe Esquint 's to-night , '' she said . `` He is dying -- he wants you -- I have come for you . '' Elinor gave a little cry , and steadied herself on Tom 's shoulder . Tom said he knew he made some exclamation of horror . He had never approved of Carey 's attentions to Elinor , but such news was enough to shock anybody . He was determined , however , that Elinor should not go out in such a night and to such a scene , and told Tannis so in no uncertain terms . `` I came through the storm , '' said Tannis , contemptuously . `` Can not she do as much for him as I can ? ''
The good , old Island blood in Elinor 's veins showed XXXXX some purpose .
For In before by from on over than that to