I do n't care what you call it . I had followed her -- I suspected something . She was so different -- so changed . She never would wear the flowers I picked for her any more . She seemed to forget I was there . I knew something had come between us . And it was you , curse you ! Oh , I 'll make you sorry for it . '' He was working himself up into a fury again -- the untamed fury of the Italian peasant thwarted in his heart 's desire . It overrode all the restraint of his training and environment . Eric , amid all his anger and annoyance , felt a thrill of pity for him . Neil Gordon was only a boy still ; and he was miserable and beside himself . `` Neil , listen to me , '' he said quietly . `` You are talking very foolishly . It is not for you to say who shall or shall not be Kilmeny 's friend . Now , you may just as well control yourself and go home like a decent fellow . I am not at all frightened by your threats , and I shall know how to deal with you if you persist in interfering with me or persecuting Kilmeny . I am not the sort of person to put up with that , my lad . '' The restrained power in his tone and look cowed Neil . The latter turned sullenly away , with another muttered curse , and plunged into the shadow of the firs .
Eric , not a little ruffled under all his external composure XXXXX this most unexpected and unpleasant encounter , pursued his way along the lane which wound on by the belt of woodland in twist and curve to the Gordon homestead .
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