And now," she went on, "as I am
going that way, I suppose you'll want me to see you home. Will you
walk in front or behind, for doubtless you're above walking beside a
woman?"
"I think you are treating me very hardly."
"Maybe I am, and maybe I meant to. Maybe you didn't know that that
Notice of yours might hurt people's feelings. Don't think I mean
mine," she explained quickly and defiantly, "but Peter's and Paul's."
There was a pause as they walked along together.
"The board shall come down," said he; "and now may I carry your
basket?"
"My basket? Do you think I'd trust a man to carry eggs?"
She laughed, but with a trace of forgiveness.
He did not answer, but seemed to have fallen into a fit of troubled
contemplation. They walked on in silence.
Presently she halted.
"I doubt you've had trouble in your time, and I've hurt your feelings
and spoken as I oughtn't to have spoken to my betters; but I've seen
that Peter and Paul were hurt in mind, and that made me say more than
I meant. Yonder's your way down to Kit's House. Good-night, sir."
Mr. Fogo would have held out his hand, but she was gone quickly down
the road. He stood for a minute looking after her; then turned and
walked quickly down the path to Kit's House.
Caleb met him at the door.
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