"And scold—before you are scolded in the morning. It is like getting in the first blow."
Nance fell into a more serious mood as they saw Stonehanger standing bleak and grey in the moonlight. She knew that she was to be left alone with her own thoughts and fears, nor could she escape from some dread of the crisis that Jasper was provoking for her sake. She was afraid of De Rothan, and knew him for a dangerous and a masterful man.
They came to the place where the furze thinned out toward the rough grassland below the terrace. Nance faltered and paused. Her face looked shadowy and troubled.
"We must say good-bye here."
He looked at her very dearly.
"Good night, Nance."
Her hands seemed to wait to be taken in his, and her face was turned to his with sudden wistfulness.
"I don't like to think of what may happen."
"Don't think of it, then."
"How can I help it?"