She had grown aware of Cunningham's gray eyes, staring straight at her--summing her up--reading her.

And she became conscious of the fact that she had met a man whose leave she would like to ask before deciding to act.
The mental acknowledgment brought relief for a few seconds.

She was tired.

The woman in here went out to the man in Cunningham, and she welcomed a protector.

Then the Scots blood raced to the assistance of the woman, and she bridled instantly.