In his throat was
something as if a sob had solidified there. His ears repeated, "SHE
WOULD HAVE LAID DOWN HER LIFE FOR 'EE. I COULD DO NO MORE!"
"Forget our idle talk, Izz," he said, turning the horse's head
suddenly. "I don't know what I've been saying! I will now drive
you back to where your lane branches off."
"So much for honesty towards 'ee! O--how can I bear it--how can
I--how can I!"
Izz Huett burst into wild tears, and beat her forehead as she saw
what she had done.
"Do you regret that poor little act of justice to an absent one?
O, Izz, don't spoil it by regret!"
She stilled herself by degrees.
"Very well, sir. Perhaps I didn't know what I was saying, either,
wh--when I agreed to go! I wish--what cannot be!"
"Because I have a loving wife already."
"Yes, yes! You have!"
They reached the corner of the lane which they had passed half an
hour earlier, and she hopped down.
"Izz--please, please forget my momentary levity!" he cried. "It was
so ill-considered, so ill-advised!"
"Forget it? Never, never! O, it was no levity to me!"
He felt how richly he deserved the reproach that the wounded cry
conveyed, and, in a sorrow that was inexpressible, leapt down and
took her hand.
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