stuff some strands of good quality ran hid,
and a love-liking for the shy, fierce, young girl was strengthening into
better worth under reverses. That Christian stood first in her regard he
knew well, for she made it abundantly clear, with a courage and frankness
that brought comment. 'Not maidenly!' retorted Philip to his mother,
'then is maidendom the sorrier.' He came to respect even the innocent
vice in her that woke ever to affront him. That his passion could survive
rages of vanity, often and deep wounded, proved its vitality and worth.

Slowly also and fitfully Philip came to think that Christian was no rival
lover; that he never did, that now he never would, regard Rhoda as more
than a sister. For his own gain he might be generous; yet among meaner
motives stood an honest endeavour to deserve well of the girl who loved
Christian, overbearing old antipathies; nor should it be to his demerit
that he was unconstrained by any touch of compunction: an amended version
of Christian, harmless, luckless, well-disposed, forbade any such
disrespect to past measures.

While many wondered that he should be so considerate of the alien, Rhoda
hardened her heart. Even greater than unquenchable resentment was her
distress of grief and shame because Christian was tamed. Unwittingly,
Philip himself afforded demonstration. No wonder his aim miscarried, and
he had ground to complain bitterly of signal injustice.

Once, at twilight, as Rhoda turned towards the quay, looking for
Christian and his rent nets, Philip stayed her, refusing rebuff, and
sought to turn her home again with an awkward lie. She caught him out and
stared. Then sudden terror started her past him, and winged her along the
shore towards men clustering thick. But Philip was speedy, overtook her,
and in desperation held her by main force.

'Rhoda,' he entreated, 'you must not go. It is not Christian, I say. It
is not Christian.'

She was struggling with all her might, beating at him, biting at his
hands.

'I will go, I will! Christian, Christian! Let me go! Ah, coward!'

'It is not Christian,' and he named another to pacify her. 'Not
Christian.'

She did not believe him; as he had caught her she had heard a cry that
maddened her so that her brain could take hold of no reason. She was sure
that Christian was being done to death after some horrible fashion.

No; thank God, no. She saw him suddenly safe and free; and she fell to
sobbing and trembling pitifully