He instinctively caught hold of some branches to keep himself from falling, pricking his hands with the thorns, and breaking a slender bough, finally rolling in company with dust and earth, torn-out bushes and stone, down a steep declivity of several feet to a little grass plot at the bottom.

He heard a slight scream near him, and a girlish form sprang up and cried in an anxious voice: "Have you hurt yourself ?" Wilhelm picked himself up as quickly as he could, brushed the earth from his clothes, and taking off his cap said, "Thanks, not much.

Only a piece of awkwardness.

But I am afraid I have frightened you ?" he added.
"A little bit; but that is all right." They looked at each other for the first time, and the lady laughed, while Wilhelm blushed deeply.

She stopped again directly, blushed also, and dropped her eyes.