Page:Adventures of Susan Hopley (Volume 1).pdf/101

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SUSAN HOPLEY.

CHAPTER VII.


SUSAN RESOLVES TO SEEK HER FORTUNE IN LONDON.

Susan had a lover, as what young housemaid, or any other maid, at twenty, has not? His name was William Dean, and he was the son of the Miller of Mapleton—a man reputed well to do in the world. It would, therefore, have been a great match for the humble and parentless Susan, who had only her own two hands, and her good character, to make her way withal. But now, alas! the good character was gone, or at least under suspicion; and it was to be feared that the two hands, however industriously disposed, might not be able to earn her bread.

Before reaching Oakfield the coach had to pass through Mapleton, and as Susan cast her eyes towards the mill, she could not help feel-