tions by Donald, who, by the bye, is glad to have an opportunity of having a chat with Mary.—Yours sincerely, C. Ewd. Stuart."
Bella lingered for some time re-perusing and repeating each sentence, and overjoyed at the interest the writer had taken in her behalf by resolving to accompany her at the risk of the consequences which might follow. At last the impatient maid, who fidgetted by her side, longing for another chat with her lover, reminded her young mistress that Donald was waiting for an answer. Instantly procuring writing materials, she penned the following reply: "My Dear Charlie,—Many thanks for your kind interest in my behalf. I shall be indeed guided by your advice, having such a sincere friend to protect me in a place where I have the greatest antipathy to enter, and which will be solely to please papa.—Yours sincerely, Bella McKay."
This billet was joyfully carried by Mary in her bosom, casting a mischievous look at her blushing young mistress when closing the door after her; but the tormenting little maid did not wait for a rebuke, if such was in store for her, for the quick patting of her small feet down stairs left Bella, in great relief, to commune once more with her own pleasant thoughts, and which we shall not disturb, or pry too closely into, but follow her maid. On delivering the note privately to her lover, a long chat ensued, in which the coming bonfire was the principal subject. Mary concluded by giving Donald a detail of the compliments passed by Mr. Brown on her own beauty, his fascinating manners, and, above all, the attention she expected to receive from him at the bonfire, which would raise the jealousy of all the other young girls. The thoughtless Mary, so full of her own pleasant anticipations, never dreamt that she was kindling a raging jealousy in the bosom of her true lover, which he partly manifested at parting, by not bestowing upon her his accustomed kiss, which greatly surprised the young maid.
