She had not wished to ride to the Barony with him, yet she had no desire to treat him with discourtesy, especially as the Ferrises were disposed to like him.

Murrell quickly gained a place at her side.
"I suppose Ferris is at the Barony ?" he said, drawing his horse down to a walk.
"I believe he is," said Betty with a curt little air.
"May I ride with you ?" he gave her a swift glance.

She nodded indifferently and would have urged her horse into a gallop again, but he made a gesture of protest.

"Don't--or I shall think you are still running away from me," he said with a short laugh.
"Were you at the trial ?" she asked.

"I am glad they didn't get Hannibal away from Yancy." "Oh, Yancy will have his hands full with that later--so will Bladen," he added significantly.