They reached and passed "The Anchor" also, with its lighted bar and coarse voices and lounging figures. They began the steep ascent up which he had pushed Bunny that afternoon. It was dark enough here at least, and her self-confidence began to revive. She would put him to the test. She would pass the gate that he had seen her enter earlier in the day. If he displayed surprise or hesitation she would know that he had recognized her.
But yet again he baffled her. He tramped steadily on.
She began to get a little breathless. There was another lamp at the top of the road. She did not want to reach that.
In desperation she paused. "Good evening!" she said again.
He stopped at once, and she thought she caught the glitter of his eye, seeking her own in the darkness.
"You're going in now?" he asked.
"Yes," she said.
He came a step nearer, and laid one finger on her arm. "Look here, my girl! You take a straight tip from me! If you're in any sort of trouble, go and tell someone! Don't bottle it in till it gets too big for you! And above all, don't go step-dancing on the edge of the parade in the dark! It's a fool thing to do."
He emphasized his points with impressive taps upon her arm. She felt absurdly small and meek.
"Suppose I haven't anyone to tell?" she said, after a moment.