111 COUSIN PHILLIS.
"No!" said I, half laughing. But she went on as grave as a judge.
"Ay! you see you'll laugh at the hare thought on it — and I'll be bound th' minister, though he's not a laughing man, would ha' sniggled at th' notion of falling in love wi' the child. Where's Holdsworth off to?"
"Canada," said I, shortly.
"Canada here, Canada there," she replied testily. "Tell me how far he's off, instead of giving me your gibberish. Is he a two days' journey away? or a three? or a week?"
"He's ever so far off— three weeks at the least," cried I in despair. "And he's either married, or just going to he. So there!" I expected a fresh burst of anger. But no; the matter was too serious. Betty sate down, and kept silence for a minute or two. She looked so miserable and downcast, that I could not help going on, and taking her a little into my confidence.
"It is quite true what I said. I know he never spoke a word to her. I think he liked her, hut it's all over now. The best thing we can do — the best and kindest for her — and I know you love her, Betty-"
"I nursed her in my arms; I gave her little brother his last taste o' earthly food," said Betty, putting her apron up to her eyes.
"Well! don't let us show her we guess that she is grieving; she'll get over it the sooner. Her father and mother don't even guess at it, and we must make as if we didn't. It's too late now to do anything else."
"I'll never let on; I know nought. I've known true love mysel', in my day. But I wish he'd been farred before he ever came near this house, with his 'Please
