He might rush off at once to put the revenue men on the smuggler's track, or he might stop his sister from going, or he might (in the absence of his father) order a feast to be prepared, and fetch the outlaw to be his guest.

So Mary had resolved not to tell him until the last moment, when he could do none of these things.
But now she must either go on all alone, or give up her purpose and break her promise.

After some hesitation she determined to go on, for the place would scarcely seem so very lonely now with the windmill in view, which would always remind her henceforth of her dear brother William.

It was perfectly certain that Captain Robert Lyth, whose fame for chivalry was everywhere, and whose character was all in all to him with the ladies who bought his silks and lace, would see her through all danger caused by confidence in him; and really it was too bad of her to admit any paltry misgivings.

But reason as she might, her young conscience told her that this was not the proper thing to do, and she made up her mind not to do it again.