12
do." said Trueman, placing the basket on the ground, and bowing to Miss Benley. "You are very kind, sir," said Charlotte; "but I am ashamed that Henry should have given you so much trouble: he is an idle boy, or he would not have thus intruded on your politeness."
"Call it not intrusion; the young gentleman asked not my assistance, and my service is voluntary"
The blushing Charlotte accepted the assistance of the gallant stranger. Trueman viewed, with a joy bordering on rapture, the personal accomplishments of his fair companion. "And oh!" said he, "should she wear a pure mind, and unstained as is her lovely form, she were a treasure worth the proudest monarch's love!"
The lovely maid answered with indifference every question of the enamoured youth. The gloomy prospect of futurity had robbed Miss Benley of that vivacity, which, in her happier days, she was wont to possess.
Henry Benley having informed his mother of the stranger's civility, the good woman walked to the wicket-gate, that formed an entrance to the ⟨garde⟩n, to welcome her daughter's return; and, thanking Trueman for his politeness, invited him to partake of their morning's refreshment.
"I am sorry," said the venerable matron, "that my means, and my inclination to make you welcome, are not in unison with each other, but that which I have to give, I give freely--There was a time"--
"I have heard of your misfortunes, madam," interrupted Trueman; and I sincerely sympathize
