So Harry interpreted the expression of her countenance. Had it not been for this Harry would have hesitated to approach.
“I am sure, Miss, I do not wish to offend you, and I have a thousand pardons to ask,” he heard the stranger say. “It’s all a mistake to suppose that I intended to be otherwise than polite and respectful.”
The dame, as she drew May nearer to her, looked up at her husband, and was going to speak. Adam made a step or two towards the young man, and looking him firmly in the face, said—
“This is not the place where I can treat you as you deserve; but there is only one thing I have to say, that is to take yourself off, and don’t come near our Maiden May if you wish to keep a whole skin on your back.”
Young Miles, for it was he, knowing that he was perfectly safe from personal violence in Texford Park, putting on a swaggering look, was about to reply, when he saw Harry coming up, and observed an angry frown on the young officer’s brow.
“I’ll make you pay dearly for this, old fellow,” he muttered between his teeth, and turning round, slunk away towards the nearest group of persons, among whom he soon concealed himself.
“Who was that young man?” asked Harry, glancing in the direction Miles had gone. “He seems to have caused you some annoyance,” and he looked at May, who however did not reply.
The dame spoke for her.
“He is an audacious young fellow, who came to Hurlston a few days ago, and has had the impertinence to speak to our Maiden May when she was alone out walking; and if it had not been for our Jacob, I don’t know what she would have done. He is the son of the miller at Hurlston, and we have reason to think he would speak to her again if he had the chance, so she has had to keep inside the grounds at Downside ever since, till she came out with my husband and me, and we little thought he would have been here; but it only shows what he is capable of.”
“What, did that fellow dare to speak to you against your wish?” exclaimed Harry, indignantly. “I must take measures to prevent his doing so again. If the miller cannot keep him in order, I must beg Mr Groocock to desire him to send the fellow away again. You say he only came here lately,” he added, turning to the dame.