It would be better for her own sake to wed Jacob and escape from it all.

And when the promise had been given, it seemed so little likely that she would be called upon to fulfil it! Even now she scarcely contemplated it seriously, for her heart was filled with hope.

Was she herself not going towards the forest and Cuthbert?
Surely she would hear somewhat of him there! "I shall ask none other woman to be my wife until I know that thou canst never be mine, Cherry," answered Jacob, with gentle obstinacy.

"I shall never wish aught of ill to Cuthbert.

Thou knowest that I would stand betwixt him and peril an I might.