Seth did not intend his meaning to be mistaken, and his tone added force to his words. The gentleman's manner was so overbearing, that the commoner man's independent spirit was roused.
"I am the master of this place. This is a private road; you have committed a trespass."
"Then the sooner I repair an error unintentionally committed, the better for myself. If I had known this road was private I should not have entered it."
"The notice-board is large, and the words plain. You have been good enough to inform me that you can read."
He pointed to a board at the beginning of the road which had escaped Seth's notice, on which was painted in bold letters, "Trespassers will be prosecuted." Seth bit his lip as he saw the trap into which he had fallen.
"The hedge which protects the road," continued the gentleman, "has been newly broken."
"Not by me," said Seth, somewhat uneasy for the children's sake.
"It is not to be expected that you would admit it. But for your insolence towards the lady and myself, I should be disposed to overlook the trespass; as it is I am in doubt. Where do you come from?"
"From London."
"A London tramp--a vagrant."