“Thanks, sir,” the young girl said, with another calm inclination of her head, and she touched her horse with the whip.
“But cannot I accompany you?” asked Mr. Effingham, whose curiosity was greatly aroused, and found his eyes, he knew not why, riveted to the rare beauty of his companion’s face; “do you not need me as a guide?”
“Indeed, I think not, sir,” she said, with the same calmness. “Your direction is very plain, and I am accustomed to ride by myself.”
“But, really,” began Mr. Effingham, somewhat piqued, “I know it is intrusive—I know I have not the honor—”
She interrupted him with her immovable calmness.
“You would say you do not know me, and that your offer is intrusive. I believe, sir, I do not consider it so—it is very kind; but I am not a fearful girl, and need not trouble you at all.”
And so bowed.
“One moment, madam,” said Mr. Effingham; “I am really dying with curiosity to know you. ’Tis very rude to say so, of course—but I am acquainted with every lady in the neighborhood, and I do not recall any former occasion upon which I had the pleasure—”
“It is very easily explained, sir,” the young girl said.
“Madam!”