"Oh, just out for a stroll and happened to pass this way."
"Well, let me past, please."
"Yes, when I get ready. T'ain't often I have the pleasure of meeting such a fine, high-spirited lady in my nightly meditations."
"Will you let me pass?"
"You seem to be in a hurry."
"I am. My father is waiting for me, and will be anxious."
"Ha, ha, that's a good one. Now, you wouldn't be a bit uneasy about your dad if I happened to be the parson, would you?"
Constance was getting desperate, and not wishing to bandy words with the villain, made an effort to go by him.
"Oh, no, you don't do that," and an oath leaped from his vile mouth.
"Let me go by, I tell you."