At length Dolly took courage, shot past him, and hurried on.
'Why do you spend so much breath in avoiding me ?' said Hugh, accommodating his pace to hers, and keeping close at her side.
'I wish to get back as quickly as I can, and you walk too near me, answered Dolly.' 'Too near!' said Hugh, stooping over her so that she could feel his breath upon her forehead.

'Why too near?
You're always proud to ME, mistress.' 'I am proud to no one.

You mistake me,' answered Dolly.

'Fall back, if you please, or go on.' 'Nay, mistress,' he rejoined, endeavouring to draw her arm through his, 'I'll walk with you.' She released herself and clenching her little hand, struck him with right good will.

At this, Maypole Hugh burst into a roar of laughter, and passing his arm about her waist, held her in his strong grasp as easily as if she had been a bird.
'Ha ha ha! Well done, mistress! Strike again.