At the open gate of one of the fields she saw from the distance a man's figure; he stood there as if he were waiting for her, and as she came nearer she recognized Mr.Brand.She had a feeling as of not having seen him for some time; she could not have said for how long, for it yet seemed to her that he had been very lately at the house.
"May I walk back with you ?" he asked.

And when she had said that he might if he wanted, he observed that he had seen her and recognized her half a mile away.
"You must have very good eyes," said Gertrude.
"Yes, I have very good eyes, Miss Gertrude," said Mr.Brand.

She perceived that he meant something; but for a long time past Mr.Brand had constantly meant something, and she had almost got used to it.

She felt, however, that what he meant had now a renewed power to disturb her, to perplex and agitate her.

He walked beside her in silence for a moment, and then he added, "I have had no trouble in seeing that you are beginning to avoid me.