He had drawn her arm within his own, and was leading her back to the Rectory. She could hardly keep up with him.
"Where are you hurrying me to?"
"To the dean. He will take care of you to Castle Wafer."
It may be that she thought some one else might have taken care of her. But she said nothing. Just before they reached the Rectory door, Mr. St. John stopped under the shade of the laurels.
"Georgina, I must say a serious word to you. Put away nonsense for a minute, and hear me. I think I have saved you from a great danger; Will you make me a promise in return?"
"From a great danger!" she repeated, the words rendering her as serious as he was. "What danger? What can you mean?"
"I cannot tell precisely what danger, neither can I say more particularly what I mean. Nevertheless I think I am right. It is not good for you to be about alone just now, whether before nightfall or after it. You must give me your promise not to be so."
"What is there to harm me?" she whispered, involuntarily clinging more closely to his arm.
"Leave that with me for the present. Only trust me, and do as I say. Will you promise?"
"Yes, if there is a necessity for it. I promise you."