ee formed a
conspicuous object in the surrounding landscape.

While they looked, a foot soldier in red uniform and white breeches came
along one of the paths, and stopping beneath the elm, took from his
pocket a paper, which he proceeded to nail up by the four corners to the
trunk. He drew back, looked at it, and went on his way. Bob got his
glass from indoors and levelled it at the placard, but after looking for
a long time he could make out nothing but a lion and a unicorn at the
top. Anne, who was ready for church, moved away from the door, though it
was yet early, and showed her intention of going by way of the elm. The
paper had been so impressively nailed up that she was curious to read it
even at this theological time. Bob took the opportunity of following,
and reminded her of her promise.

'Then walk behind me not at all close,' she said.

'Yes,' he replied, immediately dropping behind.

The ludicrous humility of his manner led her to add playfully over her
shoulder, 'It serves you right, you know.'

'I deserve anything, but I must take the liberty to say that I hope my
behaviour about Matil--, in forgetting you awhile, will not make ye wish
to keep me _always_ behind?'

She replied confidentially, 'Why I am so earnest not to be seen with you
is that I may appear to people to be independent of you. Knowing what I
do of your weaknesses I can do no otherwise. You must be schooled into--'

'O, Anne,' sighed Bob, 'you hit me hard--too hard! If ever I do win you
I am sure I shall have fairly earned you.'

'You are not what you once seemed to be,' she returned softly. 'I don't
quite like to let myself love you.' The last words were not very
audible, and as Bob was behind he caught nothing of them, nor did he see
how sentimental she had become all of a sudden. They walked the rest of
the way in silence, and coming to the tree read as follows:--

ADDRESS TO ALL RANKS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF ENGLISHMEN.

FRIENDS AND COUNTRYMEN,--The French are now assembling the largest
force that ever was prepared to invade this Kingdom, with the
professed purpose of effecting our complete Ruin and Destruction. They
do not disguise their intentions, as they have often done to other
Countries; but openly boast that they will come over in such Numbers
as cannot be resisted.

Wherever the French have lately appeared they have spared neither Rich
nor Poor, Old nor Young; but like a Destructive