There was something of invitation in her nod, which, however, he did not follow, he could not have said exactly why.

Confused, and a prey to all sorts of undefined emotions, he continued his walk till he reached the point where the waves, breaking at the very foot of the cliff, prevented his going any further.

As he turned, ho remembered that he would have to pass her again, and considered if he could not avoid it by keeping close to the cliff and so get behind her.

But why go out of his way to avoid her?
That was driving shyness to the verge of churlishness.

She was friendly toward him, why repay her kindness by such foolish and uncalled-for reserve?
And ashamed, almost indignant at himself, he came to a sudden determination, and directed his steps straight toward the lady.