The earl would have transferred her to his own steed, but she offered such determined resistance to the arrangement, that he was compelled to content himself with riding by her aide.

All his efforts to engage her in conversation were equally unsuccessful.

She made no reply to his remarks, but averted her gaze from him; and, whenever he approached, shrank from him with abhorrence.

The earl, however, was not easily repulsed, but continued his attentions and discourse, as if both had been favourably received.
In this way they proceeded for some miles, one of the earl's attendants, who was well acquainted with the country, being in fact a native of it, serving as their guide.

They had quitted the Wantage-road, and leaving that ancient town, renowned as the birthplace of the great Alfred, on the right, had taken the direction of Abingdon and Oxford.