She opened it, evidently not knowing the handwriting; her eyes ran down the lines hurriedly.

After a time she went upstairs for her bonnet.
At the stile leading into that lane where Robert had previously seen her, she was stopped by him.
"No farther," was all that he said, and he was one who could have interdicted men from advancing.
"Why may I not go by you ?" said Rhoda, with a woman's affected humbleness.
Robert joined his hands.

"You go no farther, Miss Rhoda, unless you take me with you." "I shall not do that, Mr.Robert." "Then you had better return home." "Will you let me know what reasons you have for behaving in this manner to me ?" "I'll let you know by-and-by," said Robert.

"At present, You'll let the stronger of the two have his way." He had always been so meek and gentle and inoffensive, that her contempt had enjoyed free play, and had never risen to anger; but violent anger now surged against him, and she cried, "Do you dare to touch me ?" trying to force her passage by.
Robert caught her softly by the wrist.

There stood at the same time a full-statured strength of will in his eyes, under which her own fainted.
"Go back," he said; and she turned that he might not see her tears of irritation and shame.