Lawrence saw her approaching, and before she was even near enough to hear him, he began to shout to her to be careful about crossing the branch, as the board was unsafe.

Peggy joined her, and walked on in front of her; and when Miss March understood what Lawrence was saying, she called back that she would be careful.

When they reached the ravine, Peggy ran down, stepped upon the plank, jumped on the middle of it, walked over it, and then back again, and assured her mistress that it was just as good as ever it was, and that she reckoned the city gentleman didn't know how to walk on planks, and that "he jes' done fall off." Miss March crossed, stepping a little cautiously, and reached Lawrence just as Uncle Isham, with strong arms and many words of sympathy, had assisted him to his feet.

"What has happened to you, Mr Croft ?" she exclaimed.
"I was coming to you," he said; "and in crossing the stream the plank turned under me, and I am afraid I have sprained my ankle.

I can't walk on it." "I am very sorry," she said.
"Because I was coming to you," he said, grimly, "or because I hurt myself ?" "You ought to be ashamed to speak in that way," she answered, "but I won't find fault with you, now that you are in such pain.