Well, I had made my position plain, at all events.

But I knew that Tim would distort my words and that the idea of my "standing in" with the Coltons, while professing independence, would be revived.

I was destined to be detested and misunderstood by both sides.

Yes, Dorinda was right in saying that I might find sitting on the fence uncomfortable.

It was all of that.
I entered the grove and was striding on, head down, busy with these and similar reflections, when some one said: "Good morning, Mr.Paine." I stopped short, came out of the day dream in which I had been giving Captain Jed my opinion of his followers' behavior, looked up, and saw Miss Colton in the path before me.
She was dressed in white, a light, simple summer gown.