The consequence was that she really enjoyed the ride; and Mowbray, seeing her in good spirits, thought that it arose from more favorable inclinations toward himself, and exerted himself to please. They rode at a rapid pace through the long avenues, under magnificent overarching trees, and over fields and meadows. Mowbray was a fine horseman, and Edith had been accustomed to riding from childhood, and liked nothing better than to rush along at headlong speed. She felt exhilaration and enthusiasm such as she had not known for a long time. As she looked at Mowbray's splendid figure she could not help regretting that a man with such rare physical advantages should have, after all, but a craven spirit. Was it, then, she thought, altogether fear that prevented him from assisting her to escape? The idea seemed absurd. There must be some reason of a different kind. She felt certain that he was an unprincipled villain, and that he had some designs of his own upon her. What they were she could not imagine. If he wished to gain her hand, he had certainly taken a singular way to make himself agreeable. He was cruel, cynical, mean, and sordid, and took no pains to conceal this. He had advised her to submit to imprisonment, and had refused to help her in any way. What his designs could possibly be she could not conjecture. During the ride but little was said. Mowbray was not talkative at any time, and on the present occasion he confined himself to remarks which he intended to be amiable and agreeable. To these Edith made civil replies. At last they rode back to the Hall, and Mowbray prepared to dismount. “Are you going?” said Edith. “For my part I should rather not dismount just yet. It is too dull in the house. I would rather ride a little distance with you, and walk back.” At this Mowbray looked at her in silence, and with a perplexed expression on his countenance. Edith calmly waited for him to start. “Miss Dalton,” said he at length, “I really do not know--” And then he paused. “I beg your pardon,” said Edith. “You see,” said Mowbray, “I don't know about your riding any more.” “Why, surely,” said Edith, “you are not going to refuse your horse for a few minutes longer?” Mowbray looked gloomily at her, and then started off. Edith rode by his side, and they both kept silence until they reached the park gate. The porter came out, but on seeing Edith he stopped. “It's all right,” said Edith. “You see I am with Captain Mowbray.” Mowbray looked deeply perplexed, and as he said nothing, the porter began to open the gate. “Stop,” said Mowbray. “What!” cried Edith. “Captain Mowbray, what do you mean?” “You must not go out,” said Mowbray. “I thought you were only going as far as the gate, and would walk back. You must not try to follow me.” “Must not?” cried Edith, whom the hope of escape had roused to intense excitement. “Do you say that to me?” “Yes,” said Mowbray.