"Well, sir; if you _are_ Richard Darke, what then? Your being so
matters not to me; and certainly gives you no right thus to intrude upon
me. I wish to be alone, and must beg of you to leave me so."
The cool firm tone causes him to quail. He had hoped that the surprise
of his unexpected appearance--coupled with his knowledge of her
clandestine appointment--would do something to subdue, perhaps make her
submissive.
On the contrary, the thought of the last but stings her to resentment,
as he soon perceives.
His raised arms drop down, and he is about to step aside, leaving her
free to pass. Though not before making an attempt to justify himself;
instinct supplying a reason, with hope appended. He does so, saying,--
"If I've intruded, Miss Armstrong, permit me to apologise for it. I
assure you it's been altogether an accident. Having heard you are about
to leave the neighbourhood--indeed, that you start to-morrow morning--I
was on the way to your father's house to say farewell. I'm sorry my
coming along here, and chancing to meet you, should lay me open to the
charge of intrusion. I shall still more regret, if my presence has
spoiled any plans, or interfered with an appointment. Some one else
expected, I presume?"
For a time she is silent--abashed, while angered, by the impudent
interrogatory.