These will find their due development as we proceed.
In the meanwhile, Ralph had returned to the village-inn, encountering, at the first step, upon entering the threshold, the person of the very interesting girl, almost the only redeeming spirit of that establishment.

She had heard of the occurrence--as who, indeed, had not--and the first expression of her face as her eyes met those of Ralph, though with a smile, had in it something of rebuke for not having taken the counsel which she had given him on his departure from the place of prayer.

With a gentleness strictly in character, he conversed with her for some time on indifferent topics--surprised at every uttered word from her lips--so musical, so true to the modest weaknesses of her own, yet so full of the wisdom and energy which are the more legitimate characteristics of the other sex.

At length she brought him back to the subject of the recent strife.
"You must go from this place, Mr.Colleton--you are not safe in this house--in this country.

You can now travel without inconvenience from your late injuries, which do not appear to affect you; and the sooner you are gone the better for your safety.