I am tired with riding.

I prefer these rooms, and that is enough!' Nothing could exceed the determination with which she said these words, unless it were the malicious pleasure in thwarting my wishes which made itself seen through the veil of assumed indifference.

I felt myself brought up with a vengeance, and in a manner the most provoking that could be conceived.

But opposition so childish, so utterly wanton, by exciting my indignation, had presently the effect of banishing the peculiar bashfulness I felt in her presence, and recalling me to my duty.
'Mademoiselle,' I said firmly, looking at her with a fixed countenance, 'pardon me if I speak plainly.

This is no time for playing with straws.
The men from whom you escaped once are as determined and more desperate now.