the receding figures, she, with her mother's consent, flew swiftly to the spot whence they had disappeared, where a small neat hut presented itself, screened from observation, behind the little lattice of which she stopped, fearful of intruding, and through which she could hear Sir Howard's inquiries relative to the furniture and other conveniences of the cottage, accompanied by promises to supply every want, with the thanks, blessings, and prayers of those guileless spirits, who being so near the regions of the blest, might, thought Rosilia, assuredly be heard in behalf of their benefactor.
"My honest friends," at length said Sir Howard, "I can stop no longer; fare ye well!"
Scarcely had he put his foot without than he caught sight of Rosilia: "Alone! can she be alone!" ejaculated he; when upon looking round to ascertain the fact, he perceived Mrs. De Brooke slowly advancing.
Frustrated in his hopes he hurried towards her, and offered the support of his arm.
"Which way shall we bend our course?" inquired he; "amongst these sylvan scenes awhile, or to the barouche?"
"Not, I hope," answered Rosilia, "until we have entered that sweet little cottage, and made acquaintance with its owners."
Mrs. De Brooke seconding her daughter's wish, Sir Howard, stepping in with alacrity, brought out two wicker chairs for the fair visitors of Madge.
