Therefore as I had opportunity, I drew my horse so close to hers that my right foot almost touched her riding habit.
"I trust I have done nought to offend you," I said, looking into her face.
But she did not reply for several moments, but rather turned away her head from me.
"When you speak to me look straight on," she said.
I saw the wisdom of her words, for although the guard was more lax than when we left Bedford, I knew that watchful eyes were constantly upon us. I therefore obeyed her, and waited for her answer.
"How can I be offended, when you have tried to be my friend?" she asked; "but did you not tell me that you spoke the French tongue?"
"Yes," I replied in that language. "I do not speak freely, but perhaps enough to make you understand."
"Then speak to me in that tongue. You can understand now why I could tell you nothing when we first met."
"Yes," I replied, "I understand. It has made me very happy."
She gave me a searching glance. It was only for a moment that she looked, but I felt the beat of my heart quicken.