"She's angry because she couldn't go up to the house with that stuck-up fellow." It was a foolish word; but then Kate Masters had not had much experience in the world.
Whether overcome by Mary's resolute mode of speaking, or aware that the high road would not suit his purpose, he did turn back as soon as he had seen them a little way on their return towards the town.
He had not gone half a mile before he met Morton, and had been half-minded to make some apology to him.

But Morton had denied him the opportunity, and he had walked on to his own house,--low in spirits indeed, but still with none of that sorest of agony which comes to a lover from the feeling that his love loves some one else.
Mary had been very decided with him,--more so he feared than before; but still he saw no reason why he should not succeed at last.

Mrs.
Masters had told him that Mary would certainly give a little trouble in winning, but would be the more worth the winner's trouble when won.

And she had certainly shown no preference for any other young man about the town.

There had been a moment when he had much dreaded Mr.Surtees.Young clergymen are apt to be formidable rivals, and Mr.Surtees had certainly made some overtures of friendship to Mary Masters.