"Is it for myself or others I have done ill?" he asked.

"The world here speaks loudly of your exertions on its behalf; I have
never doubted the truth of its report."

"Then you consider that I myself am not what you would wish?" There was
neither anger nor graciousness in his tone. His mind, arrested, merely
sought to know further, and feeling had not yet arisen.

"You alarm me," she said coldly. "I had no thought of bringing these
questions upon myself."

But it was of moment to him to know her mind.

"I spoke inadvisedly," she added.

"Yet you spoke as you thought?" he asked.

Fast as they were walking, she could not but notice that they were in
the pine grove now, close by the river. Here the gale was loud,
reminding her afresh of the loneliness of the place, and, as she felt
the force of his question pressing upon her, all her energies rushed in
anger to her self-defence.

"Yes, I said what I thought; but I ask your pardon for any truthfulness.
Question me no further."

His stronger will was also roused. In bitterness of spirit he told her
that he had a right to know her full meaning. He plied her with