sented the meanness of becoming a spy upon the actions of any one; but she was deaf to all my entreaties, and repaired alone on the following day to the spot pointed out to her.
I watched for her return with considerable anxiety, and could with difficulty satisfy her parents on the score of her prolonged absence. She did not return until nine in the evening, and I could then perceive that she was much agitated, and had evidently been weeping. She soon after gave me the following account of her adventure:—
"On leaving you," said she, "I proceeded to the place pointed out by Jonathan, and waited for some time without perceiving any one. At length I thought I heard the footsteps of some persons approaching, and withdrew behind a thick hawthorn bush. Two people very soon made their appearance; and, although it was nearly dark, I could discern that it was Betty Edwards and her daughter Mary. They were engaged in earnest conversation, and I several times heard my own name pronounced. As they drew near to the bush behind which I was concealed, I could distinctly hear all that was said. 'It is quite time he was here,' said Mary, 'he used to be more punctual; but I suppose he has met with Amy Seedman, and he says that whenever he does, he never can get away from her, she is such a regular bore.' 'Ah!' said the mother, 'he may tell you so, but I have heard to day that he is paying his addresses to her, and intends to get her father's consent to marry her, as he is in want of some money to begin farming with.' 'I will never believe a word of it,' answered the girl, 'for I did not run after him, as she does. He nearly
