Page:Joan, the curate.djvu/201

Rh "Tom! Oh, Tom would do him no harm if he did but know how much I care!" burst out Joan, with sudden passion.

There was a second's pause; and then Ann put her hands to her hips, and laughed long and loudly—

"Ho—ho! How much you care! You have confessed, Miss Joan, you have confessed! To be sure you would not be so eager if the lieutenant were pockmarked, and of the age of your father!"

Her tone was so offensive that Joan, who was accustomed to be treated by her with deference and respect, was not only hurt but astonished.

"I understand you not, Ann," said she at last, with dignity.

"Nay, Miss Joan, I should have thought 'twas as easy for you to understand me, as 'tis for me to understand you. This young king's man, being a pretty fellow, has taken your fancy, 'tis easy to see! Oh, blush not, Miss Joan: 'tis a common complaint you suffer from. The young ladies at Hurst Court feel, I warrant me, much as you do yourself on this matter."