Shesmiled，andoncemorebidmego，——and，atlength，Ijudgeditprudenttoobey；andshere-enteredthehouse，andIwentdownthehill。
ButasIwent，thetrampofhorses’hoofsfellonmyear，andbrokethestillnessofthedewyevening；and，lookingtowardsthelane，Isawasolitaryequestriancomingup。Incliningtoduskasitwas，Iknewhimataglance：
itwasMrLawrenceonhisgreypony。Iflewacrossthefield——leapedthestonefence——andthenwalkeddownthelanetomeethim。Onseeingme，hesuddenlydrewinhislittlesteed，andseemedinclinedtoturnback，butonsecondthought，apparentlyjudgeditbettertocontinuehiscourseasbefore。Heaccostedmewithaslightbow，and，edgingclosetothewall，endeavouredtopasson——butIwasnotsominded：seizinghishorsebythebridle，Iexclaimed：——
`Now，Lawrence，Iwillhavethismysteryexplained！Tellmewhereyouaregoing，andwhatyoumeantodo——atonce，anddistinctly！’
`Willyoutakeyourhandoffthebridle？’saidhe，quietly——`you’rehurtingmypony’smouth。’