"A bleak and doleful country," he observed, pointing to the long vista of moors stretching northwards. "No wonder its people are sour of face and surly of temper."
"You speak from experience, I doubt not?" she retorted, quickening her steps.
"Nay, this also is my first visit."
"I should have thought that you needed some strong attraction then, my lord, to remain, seeing that you find Brittany so little to your taste."
"I have found the attraction already, fair mistress."
A low bow pointed the compliment and further ruffled her temper.
But discretion bade her ignore his words.
"You have friends in Brittany, sir?" she asked, and wished that she had not come so far on a morning ramble.
"If I could count one fair lady such, I should ask no more of life," he replied, with exaggerated humility.
Again she crimsoned, not from coyness but hot anger.