I even recall how that, to preserve the purity of her garments, I bade her don a simple duster; that, to secure her from the trifling companionship of others, I bade her keep her own counsel, and seek you at seasons known but to yourselves." "But ...

did Nellie ...

understand you ?" interrupted Low hastily.
"I see you read her simple nature.

Understand me?
No, not at first! Her maidenly instinct--perhaps her duty to another--took the alarm.

I remember her words.