“The man asked me for money, and I gave him some. No; he did not frighten me.”
A flush now came in the girl’s face, and she said eagerly,—
“Did you pass a gentleman—my cousin, Captain Rolph—in the woods?”
“Yes; about a couple of miles away. I beg pardon for my interference,” there was an exchange of bows; and each passed on.
“What a fool I am!” muttered Oldroyd. “Like a man. Jumps at the chance of playing the knight-errant. Only begged a copper or two of her; a loafing scoundrel. Phew!” he whistled, “my cousin! I’m afraid that my cousin is going to be pulled up sharp; and quite right too. Looks like a piece of jealousy there. And the fellow’s engaged. Well, it’s not my business. Go on, Peter, old man.”
Peter wagged his tail, but still there was no increase of speed; for, if ponies can think, Peter was cogitating on the fact that if he made haste home there would be time for him to go with Sinkins, the carpenter, to fetch a piece of oak from the wood; and he felt that he had done enough for one day.