I made my disposition, and paid and dismissed the men so that she might hear them go, when I supposed she would at once come forth again to speak to me.

I waited yet awhile, then knocked upon her door.
"Catriona!" said I.
The door was opened so quickly, even before I had the word out, that I thought she must have stood behind it listening.

She remained there in the interval quite still; but she had a look that I cannot put a name on, as of one in a bitter trouble.
"Are we not to have our walk to-day either ?" so I faltered.
"I am thanking you," said she.

"I will not be caring much to walk, now that my father is come home." "But I think he has gone out himself and left you here alone," said I.
"And do you think that was very kindly said ?" she asked.
"It was not unkindly meant," I replied.

"What ails you, Catriona?
What have I done to you that you should turn from me like this ?" "I do not turn from you at all," she said, speaking very carefully.