"Stop," said Winthrop, — "we must take this basket along. — I don't know if there is anything very precious in it." —
He reached after it as he spoke, and then they went on; and by the help of his hand her backward journey over rocks, stones, and trunks of trees in the path, was easily and lightly made; till they reached the little bit of meadow. Which backward journey Elizabeth accomplished in about two minutes and a quarter. There Winthrop transferred to his arm the hand that had rested in his, and walked more leisurely.
"Are you in such a hurry for your breakfast?" said he. "I have had mine."
"Had it! — before you came out?"
"No," — said he smiling, — "since."
"Are you laughing at me? — or have you had it?" said Elizabeth looking puzzled.
"Both," said Winthrop. "What are you trembling so for?"
It hushed Elizabeth again, till they got quit of the meadow, and began more slowly still, the ascent of the rough half-made wheel-road.
"Miss Haye —" said Winthrop gently.
She paused in her walk, looking at him.