Page:The Ladies' Cabinet of Fashion, Music & Romance 1832.pdf/93

Rh stranger, as I have answered all your inquiries, I hope you will allow me to ""put a few questions to you.'

"O certainly.' " Do you live in this village ?" " Yes- I was born here." " What's your business ?" " I'm a gentleman .." "What does your father do for a living ?" " Nothing." "What is he ?" " He is a dead man.'"" " Do you know Mrs. Atherton ?" "Yes-do you?" " Is her daughter married ?" "No indeed, far from it." " Why ' far from it ?' " " She refused an excellent offer this morning." " From whom ?" "That's a secret." " How do you know this, if it is a secret ?" " I had it from herself. But here is the Inn, I'll bid you a good evening,'

"Stay. Have you any objection to carry a note to Miss Atherton?"

"I can't say I have."

"Well, then, as she seems to have made you her confidant, I will entrust you with one." So saying, he stepped into the Ale-house, and in a few minutes returned with a neat billet, which he put into the hands of Johnny, requesting him to be particularly careful to deliver it to Lucy herself. Proud of an office which would introduce him into the presence of her who had occupied so large a share of his thoughts, he departed with alacrity, but meeting with some of his companions, who detained him, sorely against his will, more than an hour elapsed before he reached the dwelling of Mrs. Atherton. That lady and her fair daughter were seated, tête à tete, at their work-stand, when a modest knock was heard at the door, and in a few moments the crest-fallen Johnny Anson stood before them. Bowing reverently to both ladies, he advanced in silence, and laid the note before Lucy, who at first took it up with hesitation, supposing that it contained an effusion of the bearer's own hopeless passion ; but no sooner had the superscription caught her eye, than she tore open, and exclaimed, " He is come, he is come ! Mother, mother ! he is come !" "Who is come?" inquired Johnny, whose feelings were too much excited to permit him to remain silent. But Lucy's head had fallen upon her mother's shoulder, and the tears were rolling down her cheeks, while the good lady's eyes were also filled. " Never mind," said Johnny, in a soothing tone ; " do n't be scared, ladies. If he does carry horse-pistols, he is not a going to do as he pleases in Hookam. Do n't, don't cry,