.
Joey began to be very tired of this affair, as he remained idle during
the whole time, when one morning Spikeman told him that he must go down
to the meeting-place without the wheel, and tell Miss Mathews his uncle
the tinker was ill, and not able to come that evening.

Joey received his instructions, and went down immediately. Miss Mathews
was not to be seen, and Joey, to avoid observation, hid himself in the
copse, awaiting her arrival. At last she came, accompanied by Araminta,
her cousin. As soon as they had taken their seats on the bench,
Araminta commenced: "My dear Melissa, I could not speak to you in the
house, on account of your father; but Simpson has told me this morning
that she thought it her duty to state to me that you have been seen, not
only in the day time, but late in the evening, walking and talking with
a strange-looking man. I have thought it very odd that you should not
have mentioned this mysterious person to me lately; but I do think it
most strange that you should have been so imprudent. Now, tell me
everything that has happened, or I must really make it known to your
father."

"And have me locked up for months,--that's very kind of you, Araminta,"
replied Melissa.

"But consider what you have been doing, Melissa. Who is this man?"

"A travelling tinker, who brought me a letter from a gentleman, who has
been so silly as to fall in love with me."

"And what steps have you taken, cousin?"

"Positively refused to receive a letter, or to see the gentleman."

"Then why does the man come again?"

"To know if we have any knives or scissors to grind."

"Come, come, Melissa, this is ridiculous. All the servants are talking
about it; and you know how servants talk. Why do you continue to see
this fellow?"

"Because he amuses me, and it is so stupid of him."

"If that is your only reason, you can have no objection to see him no
more, now that scandal is abroad. Will you promise me that you will
not? Recollect, dear Melissa, how imprudent and how unmaidenly it is."

"Why, you don't think that I am going to elope with a tinker, do you,
cousin?"

"I should think not; nevertheless, a tinker is no companion for Miss
Mathews, dear cousin. Melissa, you have been most imprudent. How far
you have told me the truth I know not; but this I must tell you, if you
do not promise me to give up this disgraceful acquaintance, I will
immediately acquaint my uncle."

"I will not be forced into