As Alice Rody left the spot, which had so nearly proved her tomb, she
thought of the old hunter with admiration. His courage and honest
courtesy had won her, but she had also noticed his surprise on hearing
her name.
Of the feeling entertained by him for her father and brother she knew
nothing.
The female mind loves riddles, and Alice, like a true woman, racked her
brain for a solution of that one Carrol's conduct seemed to embody.
Thus occupied, she emerged from the forest, and had proceeded some
distance upon her road, when she perceived two individuals in close
conversation.
Their backs were turned towards her, and, as her light footfall did not
disturb them, she got close to the spot on which they stood without
their perceiving her.