"I shan't leave her alone with a stranger," said Thomas; "who knows what you may be?" ("Who, indeed!" thought Anna, with a heavy sigh;) "or what you have done to her? She a'n't used to be soon frightened! Miss Meridith is none of your timid-hearted young ladies."
"Indeed I am not," returned Anna; "I am able to walk now, and if you will accompany me to Rosewood, I will thank you, Thomas."
"That I will, Miss," replied he, "I will see you safe home; and be glad you be a little more like yourself again."
"And will you not permit me, Madam, to assist you?" repeated the stranger; "I do not think you can walk without support."
"I would wish,—I should be obliged;" returned Anna, in hurried accents, and her agitation became again so great, that she involuntarily rested on his arm to recover herself.
"I fear I have greatly alarmed you," said he, "but I am sure it was unintentionally."—"I hope that's true," thought Thomas, who stood watching him as narrowly as the twilight would permit.
"How far are we from this lady's home?" asked the stranger.
"Oh not above a quarter of a mile," said Thomas, "if she could but walk."
"I can now," said Anna, "and I will accept your offer, Sir." She then advanced, leaning on her father's arm, her heart beating all the way with an emotion not to be expressed, and Thomas on the other side of her.
Neither of them spoke a word, till, as they entered the gate which led to the house, they met Syphax coming out in search of his young lady.