the middle of the road, smiling oddly but deferentially; her slim figure straightened, her colour rose, and there was a—yes, there was a relieved gleam in her eyes. As she drew near he advanced, hat in hand, his face uplifted in his most winning smile—savouring more of welcome than of repellence.
“I beg your pardon,” he said; “doubtless you are not aware that this is proscribed land.”
“Then you are Mr. Shaw?” she asked, checking her horse with premeditated surprise and an emphasis that puzzled him.
“Yes, madam,” he responded gravely, “the hated Shaw. Permit me,” and he politely grasped the bridle rein. To her amazement he deliberately turned and began to lead her horse, willy nilly, down the road, very much as if she were a child taking her first riding lesson.
“What are you doing, sir? she exclaimed sharply. There was a queer flutter of helplessness in her voice.
“Putting you off,” he answered laconically. She laughed in delight and he looked up with a relieved smile. “I'm glad you don't mind. I have to do it. These feuds are such beastly things, you know. One has to live up to them whether he likes it or not.”
“So you are putting me off your place? Oh, how lovely!”
“It is n't far, you know—just down by those big rocks. Your line is there. Of course,” he went on politely, “you know that there is a feud.”
“Oh, yes; I've heard you discussed. Besides, I met Tompkins and James this morning. Pardon me, Mr. Shaw, but I fancy I can get on without being led. Would you mind—”
“My dear madam, there is no alternative. I have taken a solemn vow personally to eject all Bazelhurst trespassers from my place. You forget that I am, by your orders, to be thrown into the river and all that. Don't be alarmed! I don't mean to throw you into the river.”
“By my orders? It seems to me that you have confused me with Lord Bazelhurst.”
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