What was she to say? She could think of nothing. She felt bewildered. At the same time the effort to face the difficulty did her good. It revived her energy.
"Indeed there's no necessity for me to ride. I can walk quite well and it is but a little distance to my home. You may see me across the fields if you will and then we will say good-night."
"I'd better walk with you beyond the fields," he urged. "The streets are just as dangerous for you as this desolate place."
"Oh no. There are sure to be plenty of people about! You shall go as far as Cheapside, but not a step further."
Vane accepted the compromise, but when Cheapside was reached it was full of a noisy throng and most of the crowd, both men and women, were the worse for drink. He easily overcame her protest that she could proceed alone and they went on to St. Paul's. Here it was comparatively quiet, and she flatly refused to permit him to accompany her beyond the Cathedral.
They passed the Chapter coffee house. Lavinia's thoughts reverted to her warning to Vane on Moor Fields.
"You've not given me your promise to have nothing to do with that man—I don't know his name and I don't want to—who made you drink too much last night in there."
"I'll promise you anything," he cried pressing the arm which was within his.
"Thank you, but that's not all. Swear that you will never drink too much again. It makes me sad."
"On my honour I never will. I'd rather die than hurt you by word or deed."