shrunk in detestation.

That pity was reflected on his countenance now, and noting its
solemnity, and misconstruing it, she laughed outright, despite
herself. He did not ask her why she laughed, he did not notice
it; his thoughts were busy already upon another matter.

When next he spoke, it was to describe to her the hollow of the
road where on the night of his departure from the castle he had
been flung from his horse. She knew the spot, she told him,
and there at dusk upon the following day she would come to him.
Her woman must accompany her, and for all that he feared such
an addition to the party might retard their flight, yet he
could not gainsay her resolution. Her uncle, he learnt from
her, was absent from Sheringham; he had set out four days ago
for London. For her father she would leave a letter, and in
this matter Crispin urged her to observe circumspection, giving
no indication of the direction of her journey.

In all he said, now that matters were arranged he was calm,
practical, and unloverlike, and for all that she would he had
been less self-possessed, her faith in him caused her, upon
reflection, even to admire this which she conceived to be
restraint. Yet, when at parting he did no more than
courteously bend before her, and kiss her hand as any simpering
gallant might have done, she was all but vexed, and not to be
outdone in coldness, she grew frigid. But it was lost upon
him. He had not a lover's discernment, quickened by anxious
eyes that watch for each flitting change upon his mistress's
face.