So it would be best, since you think so lowly of me, that you should take this path to the left while I keep on upon this one; for it is clear that I can be no fit companion for you." So saying, with downcast lids and a dignity which was somewhat marred by her bedraggled skirt, she swept off down the muddy track, leaving Alleyne standing staring ruefully after her.

He waited in vain for some backward glance or sign of relenting, but she walked on with a rigid neck until her dress was only a white flutter among the leaves.
Then, with a sunken head and a heavy heart, he plodded wearily down the other path, wroth with himself for the rude and uncouth tongue which had given offence where so little was intended.
He had gone some way, lost in doubt and in self-reproach, his mind all tremulous with a thousand new-found thoughts and fears and wonderments, when of a sudden there was a light rustle of the leaves behind him, and, glancing round, there was this graceful, swift-footed creature, treading in his very shadow, with her proud head bowed, even as his was--the picture of humility and repentance.
"I shall not vex you, nor even speak," she said; "but I would fain keep with you while we are in the wood." "Nay, you cannot vex me," he answered, all warm again at the very sight of her.

"It was my rough words which vexed you; but I have been thrown among men all my life, and indeed, with all the will, I scarce know how to temper my speech to a lady's ear." "Then unsay it," cried she quickly; "say that I was right to wish to have vengeance on the Socman." "Nay, I cannot do that," he answered gravely.
"Then who is ungentle and unkind now ?" she cried in triumph.

"How stern and cold you are for one so young! Art surely no mere clerk, but bishop or cardinal at the least.

Shouldst have crozier for staff and mitre for cap.