Had she not been so deeply engaged in her own thoughts she might have heard him merrily whistling as he approached from the town, but she heard him not, and was first aware of his presence when he stood silently regarding her, not two yards off.
"My girl," he said, "I fear you're in a bad way.

I don't like to see a young woman, pretty as I can see you are even now, standing on a bridge, with a baby, talking to herself." "You mistake me," she said, "I was not going to do that; I was resting and thinking." "Where are you going ?" he asked.
"To Crediton," she replied.

"Once there, I should almost fancy myself safe." "See here," he said; "my waggon is coming up behind.

I can give you a lift as far as there.

Are you hungry ?" "Ah," she said, "If you knew.