She soared into haughtiness, and the knoll under the beech-tree became inaccessible.
"I had a man's right."
"And what is that?"
The curricle had drawn up some fifty yards beyond the ford, and a face in a yellow bonnet looked back at them with surprised intentness.
Nance rose. There was something tantalising and repressive about her movements. Few things can surpass the bleak and uncompromising pride of a young girl.
"Your friend is waiting for you."
"It is my cousin, Rose Benham. She——"
"I do not wish to keep her waiting."
Jasper's manhood raged within him. Primitive emotions and the more complex things of the heart made a confused turmoil. He rebelled against her tacit and unexplained antagonism.
"Nance, I must know what has made you change so suddenly."