Edward had more than once, when the conversation flagged for a minute,
considered what reply he should give in case his companion should ask
him the cause of his journey, and at last had made up his mind what to
say.
A little before noon they pulled up to bait their horses at a small
village; the stranger observing that he avoided St. Alban's, and all
other large towns, as he did not wish to satisfy the curiosity of
people, or to have his motions watched; and therefore, if Edward had
no objection, he knew the country so well, that he could save time by
allowing him to direct their path. Edward was, as may be supposed,
very agreeable to this, and, during their whole journey, they never
entered a town, except they rode through it after dark; and put up at
humble inns on the roadside, where, if not quite so well attended to,
at all events they were free from observation.
It was, however, impossible that this reserve could continue long, as
they became more and more intimate every day. At last the stranger
said,
"Master Armitage, we have traveled together for some time,
interchanging thoughts and feelings, but with due reserve as respects
ourselves and our own plans. Is this to continue? If so, of course you
have but to say so; but if you feel inclined to trust me, I have the
same feeling toward you.
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