She struggled with the mortification of a petted
child, suddenly confronted by a stranger who finds its caprices only
ridiculous and displeasing. Under the new sting of humiliation she
writhed, burning to retaliate and make him see the height of her
pedestal.
"Yes, I _have_ told two lies," she said. "I was angry and I _am_
blushing, and it's because I'm in a rage with you."
The last touch was given when she saw that his surprise contained the
bitter and disconcerting element of amusement.
"Isn't that just what I said, and you denied it?" he exclaimed. "Now
_why_ are you in a rage with me?"
"Because--because--well, if you're too stupid to know why, or are just
pretending, I won't explain. I don't intend to ride with you any more.
Please don't try and keep up with me."
She gave her reins a shake and her horse started on a brisk canter. As
she sped away she listened for his following hoof beats, for she made
no doubt he would pursue her, explain his conduct, and ask her pardon.
The request not to keep up with her he would, of course, set aside.
David would have obeyed it, but this man of the mountains, at once
domineering and stupid, would take no command from any woman.
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