The act of riding up to her and the manner in which he took his place by her side were presumptuous to the point of insolence, and his attitude, although not openly offensive, was slightly alarming.

She put Dolcy to a gallop; but the servant who, she thought, was presuming on her former graciousness, kept close at Dolcy's heels.

The man was a stranger, and she knew nothing of his character.

She was alone in the forest with him, and she did not know to what length his absurd passion for her might lead him.
She was alarmed, but she despised cowardice, although she knew herself to be a coward, and she determined to ride to the gate, which was but a short distance ahead of her.

She resolved that if the insolent fellow continued his familiarity, she would teach him a lesson he would never forget.