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But there was no opportunity for her to retrace her steps, even had she wished to do so. She had made her decision, and she knew that she must abide by it.

The ride home was very silent, and not a little depressing. Neither of the riders spoke more than was necessary; they both seemed to have too much to think of. Something new and strange had risen in the girl’s heart, some unconscious rebellion against her own choice; and it was hard enough to maintain the composure and dignity suitable to the occasion, and at the same time to subdue with a strong hand the civil war which was stubbornly battling in her inmost thoughts .

Campbell, however, seemed to be resigned to his fate. He rode beside her with an air of cold self-possession, and the manner with which he showed her some little formal attentions plainly declared that he had accepted her decision without appeal. The daylight had almost faded from the valleys, and the dense bush oppressed their spirits with its solitary gloom. It was fortunate that their horses were accustomed to the rough bridle-track, for they could hardly see to guide them. What a contrast this dusky path presented to the shining limitless view from the heights!