I burst out crying.
Sergeant Cuff took a step nearer to me--meaning kindly, I don't doubt.

I shrank back from him.

"Don't touch me," I said.

"It's the dread of you, that has driven her to it." "You are wrong, Mr.Betteredge," he answered, quietly.

"But there will be time enough to speak of it when we are indoors again." I followed the rest of them, with the help of the groom's arm.