gods, what German sausages!--I accepted the
old farmer's invitation to inspect his barn, cattle, &c. My fair friend
was taken possession of by the amorous Dutch damsel, who seemed to be
particularly anxious to display the beauties of her _dairy_, which is
always the pride of a farmer's daughter. I could not help laughing at
the look of comical embarrassment which poor Mrs. Raymond assumed, when
the buxom young lady seized her and dragged her off.

I of course praised the farmer's barn and stock with the air of a judge
of such matters, and we returned to the house, where I applied myself to
the task of entertaining the old lady, and in this I succeeded so well,
that she presented me with a nice pair of stockings of her own knitting.

After a while, my fair friend and the farmer's daughter returned;--and I
noticed that Mrs. Raymond looked exceedingly annoyed and perplexed,
while the countenance of the Dutch damsel exhibited anger and
disappointment. I could easily guess how matters stood; but, of course,
I said nothing.

During the evening, my fair friend had an opportunity of speaking to me
in private; and she said to me, with a deep blush, although she could
not help smiling as she spoke--

"I have something to tell you which is really very awkward and
ridiculous, yet you can't think how it vexes me. Now don't laugh at me
in that provoking manner, but listen. That great, silly Dutch girl,
after showing me her dairy, which is really a very pretty affair and
well worth seeing, suddenly made the most furious love to me--supposing
me, of course, to be what I seem, a boy. I was terribly confused and
frightened, and knew not what to say, nor how to act. Throwing her fat
arms around me, she declared that I was so handsome that she could not
resist me, and that I must become her lover. I told her that I was too
young to know anything about love; and then the creature volunteered to
teach me all about it. Then I intimated that I could not think of
marrying at present, as I was too poor to support a wife; but she
laughed at the idea of matrimony, and said that she only wanted me to be
her little lover. Finally I effected my release by promising to meet her
about midnight, in the orchard by the gate. Now, is not all this very
dreadful--to be persecuted by a big, unrelenting Dutch girl in this
manner?"

I roared with laughter. It was rude and ungallant, I confess; but how
could I help it? Mrs. Raymond made a desperate effort