nd was a favourite with the vicar, as the reader knows, took
his old place in the free seats, not very far from the pew where the
vicar's servants sat. Who can tell what his feelings were as he wondered
whether Polly would be there that morning?

The other servants came in. Ah, dear! Polly can't come, now look at
that! Just as he was thinking this in she came. Such a flutter in her
heart as she saw the bright uniform and the brighter face, bronzed with a
foreign clime and looking as handsome as ever a face could look. O what
a flutter too in Joe's heart! But he was determined not to care for her.
So he wouldn't look, and that was a very good way; and he certainly would
have kept his word if he could.

I think if I had to choose where and how I would be admired, if ever such
a luxury could come to me, I would be Joe Wurzel under present
circumstances. A young hero, handsome, tall, in the uniform of the
Hussars, with a loved one near and all the village girls fixing their
eyes on me! That for once only, and my utmost ambition would be
gratified. Life could have no greater pride for me. I don't know
whether the sermon made much impression that day, but of the two, I
verily believe Joe made the most; and as they streamed out of the little
church all the young faces of the congregation were turned to him: and
everywhere when they got outside it was, "Halloa, Joe!" "Why, Joe, my
lad, what cheer?" "Dang'd if here bean't Joe!" and other exclamations of
welcome and surprise. And then, how all the pinafored boys flocked round
and gazed with wondering eyes at this conquering hero; chattering to one
another and contradicting one another about what this part of his uniform
was and what that part was, and so on; but all agreeing that Joe was
about the finest sight that had come into Yokelton since ever it was a
place.

And then the old clergyman sent for him and was as kind as ever he could
be; and Joe was on the enchanted ground where the fairy Polly flitted
about as noiselessly as a butterfly. Ah, and what's this? Now let not
the reader be over-anxious; for a few lines I must keep you, gentle one,
in suspense; a great surprise must be duly prepared. If I told you at
once what I saw, you would not think so much of it as if I kept you a
little while in a state of wondering curiosity. What do you think
happened in the Vicarage?

Now's the moment to tell it in a fresh paragraph. Why in came the fairy
with a littl