"You're not only pretty, but you're a good sort, though you do call me a coward," he said jerkily. "I tell you what. I like grit, and you've got plenty of it. It isn't every woman, let me tell you, that would walk nine miles through the country in the dead of the night, just to stand by another woman! I didn't take it in at first, but, by Jove! I do now. I'll shake hands with you, Miss Graniger."
He got up. Caroline seemed to grow suddenly very small.
"I—I cannot shake hands with you, Sir Samuel," she said, hoping her voice would not desert her altogether.
"Why?"
"Because I am afraid of you."
"Afraid?" he laughed almost good-humouredly. "Oh, come, I won't believe that, I don't believe you could be afraid of anything or anybody!"
Caroline looked at him, and looked away.
"You are very strong and fierce, and I think you can be cruel."
He laughed again.
"All granted; but I shan't hurt you. I give you my word I won't."