Evidently Steve intended to accompany them as far as their roads were identical; but the squire pointedly drew rein, and by the cool civility of his manner made the young man so sensible of his intrusion, that he had no alternative but to take the hint.

He looked at Charlotte with eyes full of tender reproach, and she was too unprepared for such a speedy termination to their meeting to oppose it.

So Stephen was galloping at headlong speed in advance, before she realized that he had been virtually refused their company.
"Father, why did you do that ?" "Do what, Charlotte?
Eh?
What ?" "Send Steve away.

I am sure I do not know what to make of you doing such a thing.

Poor Steve!" "Well, then, I had my reason for it.