"It's only bruised," she said.
"It's painful, anyhow," he remarked bluntly. "Well, you must be wet to the skin. You had better come with me to the mill and get dry."
Doris flushed a little. "Oh, thank you, but really—I don't want to—to trespass on your kindness. I can quite well walk home—from here."
"You can't," he said flatly. "Anyhow, you are not going to try. You had better let me carry you."
But Doris drew back at that with swift decision. "Oh no! I am quite well now—I can walk."
She stood up and he took his foot from the gate. She glanced at the top bar thereof that hung in splinters.
"I'm so sorry," she murmured apologetically.
He also looked at his damaged property. "Yes, it was a pity you attempted it," he said.
"I shall know better next time," she said with a wry smile. "Will it cost much?"