"It would be very improper," said the girl, turning away her face, "to
invite a man to a secret meeting; but I sometimes wander on the edge
of the forest to gather wild flowers, and hear the birds sing, and if
you should come thither by accident, at the same time, nobody, I
suppose, would find fault."

"But when--but when, lovely Prudence? Ah! you comprehend not the
longing of my soul."

"That I cannot say now. I am only a servant girl, and must obey the
directions of my mistress, which are often very unreasonable, and
order not my time."

"Would I were a king, for your sake! But shall it be soon?"

"As soon as may be, and I will let you know the time and place." So
saying, she broke away from the enamored Spikeman, and ran to acquaint
her young mistress with all that had happened.

The young lady felt seriously alarmed at the communication of her
confidante--an alarm increased by the vagueness of the information, as
in a dark night the fearful imagination invests with terrors some
object, which, in the light of day, proves to be a harmless bush or
stump--and the two young women consulted together if any thing could
be done to avert the threatened danger. They could think of nothing
better than to acquaint Arundel with it, which Prudence took upon
herself to do.

"But how," inquired Eveline, "is it to be done?"

"You forget Philip Joy, madam," said Prudence.

"I might have known better than to distrust your wiles and stratagems,
you cunning girl," said her mistress; "but have a care of thyself. I
sometimes feel much anxiety on thy account--but I forbid this meeting
with Master Spikeman."

"An' it be so," answered the waiting-maid, pouting, "you may find some
one else, Mistress Eveline, to tell you about the plots of the old
dragon, who has us in his claws."

"For shame, thou petulant thing! yet tell me now all thy design."

"You tell me not all your thoughts about Master Miles, and why should
I acquaint you with mine about Joe?" said Prudence, bursting into a
laugh.

"There is some difference, methinks, between the cases--have thy way
though. I have confidence in thee, Prudence, and believe thee as witty
as pretty. Thy own goodness and love for the soldier Joy shall stand
by thee like guardian angels, to save from harm. Yet like I not this
tampering with anything that looks like evil."

The girl knelt down by the side of her mistress, and taking the young
lady's hand, laid it on her heart.

"Thou feel