A strange peace and docility overcame her.
'You are better ?' said Manisty's voice beside her.

The tones of it were grave and musical; they expressed an enwrapping kindness, a 'human softness' that still further moved her.
'So much better! The bleeding has almost stopped.

I--I suppose it would have been better, if I had waited for you ?--if I had not ventured on those paths alone ?' There was in her scrupulous mind a great penitence about the whole matter.
How much trouble she was giving!--how her imprudence had spoilt the little festa! And poor Mrs.Burgoyne!--forced to walk up this long, long way.
'Yes--perhaps it would have been better'-- said Manisty.

'One never quite knows about this population.

After all, for an Italian lady to walk about some English country lanes alone, might not be quite safe--and one ruffian is enough.