Chapters Nine and Ten Summary

As soon as Oswald regains his feet, he runs towards Damerel, intending to fight. Venetia intercepts, however, and tells Oswald that if he doesn't apologize and go home, she will tell his father what he did. If he cooperates, she promises that neither will tell anyone. Oswald apologizes, but tells Damerel that he will hear from him.

After Oswald is gone, Damerel almost kisses Venetia for the second time, but does not. Although Venetia wonders at this, she doesn't worry for long. Soon Damerel leaves, saying that he will go before he is asked to drown kittens that are too young to make it without a mother.

Damerel reflects as he is on the way home that he had intended to get Venetia, but does not want to bring her down by ravishing her.

On the way...