I felt certain it was only an excuse, as the man could as well have returned the horse without him.
His own was unsaddled and stabled, which told of his intention to make a stay.
Thus brought together, we were necessarily introduced, and for the first time I exchanged speech with a man for whom I had felt an instinctive aversion.
Neither our salutes nor after-communications were cordial; but the presence of our host and his sister relieved us from the necessity of any direct conversation.
I saw that there was a black cloud upon his brow, whenever Miss Woodley appeared to take an interest in any thing I said.
Once I had caught his eye turned upon me with a scowl so sullen and malignant as almost to tempt me to take notice of it.
And yet it rather gratified me to think that he might be jealous.
The situation appeared to be irksome to all the party. Our host did not seem easy with two such ill-assorted guests, and his sister also showed signs of constraint.
Opportunely there came a relief.
My late skiffman, Jake, who had been scouting through the woods, brought in the report that "de pigeons war in clouds after de mas', up on de ridge among de beeches."