But I didn't look to find her here in the avenue." "You shall not again if I have my way," said Barbara.

Then she added abruptly and sharply, "Why do you look at her ?" Now, it was true that I was looking at the stranger, and on Barbara's question I looked the harder.
"She is mighty pretty," said I."Does she not seem so to you, Mistress Barbara ?" And, simple though I was, I spoke not altogether in simplicity.
"Pretty ?" echoed Barbara.

"And pray what do you know of prettiness, Master Simon ?" "What I have learnt at Quinton Manor," I answered, with a bow.
"That doesn't prove her pretty," retorted the angry lady.
"There's more than one way of it," said I discreetly, and I took a step towards the visitor, who stood some ten yards from us, laughing still and plucking a flower to pieces in her fingers.
"She isn't known to you ?" asked Barbara, perceiving my movement.
"I can remedy that," said I, smiling.
Never since the world began had youth been a more faithful servant to maid than I to Barbara Quinton.

Yet because, if a man lie down, the best of girls will set her pretty foot on his neck, and also from my love of a thing that is new, I was thoroughly resolved to accost the gardener's guest; and my purpose was not altered by Barbara's scornful toss of her little head as she turned away.
"It is no more than civility," I protested, "to ask after her health, for, coming from London, she can but just have escaped the plague." Barbara tossed her head again, declaring plainly her opinion of my excuse.
"But if you desire me to walk with you----" I began.
"There is nothing I thought of less," she interrupted.

"I came here to be alone." "My pleasure lies in obeying you," said I, and I stood bareheaded while Barbara, without another glance at me, walked off towards the house.
Half penitent, yet wholly obstinate, I watched her go; she did not once look over her shoulder.