"If no woman has acted like this before, I pity the women of this town." She's still spitting fury as she hikes up her skirts to walk faster, loose hair bouncing with the determination of her walk, not even sure where she's going, but knowing she needs to get there soon before she lets her anger consume her again.

"I'd do it again," she vows. "You're a good man, Robert," she promises him. "Better than I've ever known. You should be standing up for yourself like this, but if you can't, then I will."

He might give her food and shelter and safety, but she can give him protection and respect.