"What fool's errand hath again brought him
to prick his nag so deep into the forest?"
"Nay, thy wit is ever like the unbroken colt, a headstrong run-away. I
said not, in full meaning that the man had come; I only invited thee to
give an opinion in the event that he should arrive unexpectedly, though I
am far from certain that any here ever expect to see his face again."
"This is foolish prating," returned the youth, provoked at the exhibition
of jealousy into which he had been incautiously betrayed. "I tell thee to
withdraw the bolt, for I have great need to speak with the Captain, or
with his son."
"Thou mayst open thy mind to the first, if he will listen to what thou
hast to say," returned the girl, removing the impediment to his entrance;
"but thou wilt sooner get the ear of the other by remaining at the gate,
since he has not yet come in from the forest."
Dudley recoiled a pace, and repeated her words in the tone of one who
admitted a feeling of alarm to mingle with his surprise.
"Not in from the forest!" he said; "surely there are none abroad, now that
I am home!"
"Why dost say it? I have put my jibes upon thee more in payment of ancient
transgressions than for any present offence.
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