His real intentions flashed upon me for the first time. I had not remotely imagined such a step.
“Marry her!” I screeched in dismay. “Marry her!”
I don't know which word was the worse to emphasize at such a moment, but I emphasized both thoroughly.
“I didn't expect yu'd act that way,” said the lover. He dropped behind me fifty yards and spoke no more.
Not at once did I beg his pardon for the brutality I had been surprised into. It is one of those speeches that, once said, is said forever.
But it was not that which withheld me. As I thought of the tone in which my friend had replied, it seemed to me sullen, rather than deeply angry or wounded—resentment at my opinion not of her character so much as of his choice! Then I began to be sorry for the fool, and schemed for a while how to intervene. But have you ever tried intervention? I soon abandoned the idea, and took a way to be forgiven, and to learn more.
“Lin,” I began, slowing my horse, “you must not think about what I said.”
“I'm thinkin' of pleasanter subjects,” said he, and slowed his own horse.
“Oh, look here!” I exclaimed.
“Well?” said he. He allowed his horse to come within about ten yards.