"I am not hurt—and mean to do nothing to-night but follow you home.
But give me your promise, Miss Faith,—you must not stand here."
"Why in front? will they be behind us?"
"I must have you in sight—and I will not have you near me." And letting go his hold he said, almost imperatively,
"I will trust you. Walk on before me!—Miss Faith, you must not delay a moment."
"I will go with you," she said low, and clinging to his arm.—"Your safety is in being near me. I will not delay. Come!"—
But the hand was taken off again, and held in both his while he spoke.
"I will not have you anywhere near me! If you do not walk on far in front, I shall,—and keep watch of you as best I can." And he let go her hand, and stepped back with a quick pace that soon put some distance between them. She stood still a moment, looking, and then sprang back till she reached him; speaking with a low vehemence that did not seem like Faith.
"I will not do it, Mr. Linden—I will not! I will not!—Come, come! don't stay here!"—
Whatever Mr. Linden felt at that appeal—and he was not a man to feel it lightly—his words lost none of their firmness.
"I shall not stir until you are ten yards in front of me!—unless I leave you as far behind."