He had a keen personal hatred for the four bullies, and a very strong interest and affection for Rosamund herself.

He saw she had still something more to say, and she drew a little nearer as she added: "And since then I have caught sight of them several times in our lanes, walking up and down rather near the house, or hanging about round the tavern at the crossroads where our lane branches from the wider road.

Once I am sure I heard their steps coming after me; but I fled so fast they could not overtake me, and I dared not look behind lest I should trip over a stone.

I am almost afraid now to leave the house alone, save in the early morning hours; and until this happened I came and went freely, and my aunt is used to sending me visiting to the neighbours.

I like not to alarm her by talking of these men, nor do I wish to cause anxiety to my father.
I have often wished I could tell you the tale, that I might ask you what I should do." The childlike appeal in the maiden's face stirred Tom to a chivalrous desire to help her at all costs.
"Zounds!" he exclaimed, "but we will teach those curs a lesson they richly need.