Rhoda  was  unaware  that  Robert,  who  rarely  looked
at  her,  and  never  sought  to  speak  a  word  to  her  when
by  chance  they  met  and  were  alone,  studied  each
change  in  her  face,  and  read  its  signs.  He  was  left
to  his  own  interpretation  of  them,  but  the  signs  he
knew  accurately.  He  knew  that  her  pride  had  sunk,
and  that  her  heart  was  desolate.  He  believed  that  she
had  discovered  her  sister's  misery.
One  day  a  letter  arrived  that  gave  her  no  joyful
90


RHODA    FLEMING

colouring,  though  it  sent  colour  to  her  cheeks.  She
opened  it,  evidently  not  knowing  the  handwriting ;  her
eyes  ran  down  the  lines  hurriedly.  After  a  time  she
went  upstairs  for  her  bonnet.
At  the  stile  leading  into  that  lane  where  Robert  had
previously  seen  her,  she  was  stopped  by  him.
*No  farther,'  was  all  that  he  said,  and  he  was  one
who  could  have  interdicted  men  from  advancing.
*  Why  may  I  not  go  by  you  ? '  said  Rhoda,  with  a
woman's  affected  humbleness.
Robert  joined  his  hands.  *  You  go  no  farther,  Miss
Rhoda,  unless  you  take  me  with  you.'

*  I  shall  not  do  that,  Mr.  Robert.'

*  Then  you  had  better  return  home.*

*  Will  you  let  me  know  what  reasons  you  have  for
behaving  in  this  manner  to  me  ? '

^  I  '11  let  you  know  by-and-by,'  said  Robert.  *  At
present,  you  '11  let  the  stronger  of  the  two  have
his  way.'

He  had  always  been  so  meek  and  gentle  and  in-
offensive, that  her  contempt  had  enjoyed  free  play,
and  had  never  risen  to  anger ;  but  violent  anger  now
surged  against  him,  and  she  cried,  'Do  you  dare  to
touch  me  ? '  trying  to  force  her  passage  by.
