An Unwilling Maid

med to temper its rays, and down among the shadows of the trees surrounding Great Pond t

eather-beaten hat, was finely formed, and covered with chestnut curls; his clothes, also shabby and worn, were homespun and ill-fitting, but his erect mili

he woman who gave me that glass of milk at five o'clock this morning said I was within a mile of Goshen. I must have walked ten miles since then, and am apparently no nearer the line than I was yesterday-Hark! what's t

was comparatively secure from observation as long as he remained perfectly still. The next sound he heard was horses' feet, moving at

ds farther on, where we had the Maypole set last year, and I know I can find the herbs which Chloe wants ne

geous little maid to wish to venture in these woods. Not that I am afraid," said Betty Wolcott suddenly, remembering the weight and d

ash-tree, whose branches allowed of her securing him by the bridle to one of them, "Of all people in the world, Betty, you to read me a lecture on care-taking," a

I not rescue you from punishment for dire naughtiness in the pantry and beg Aunt Eup

ease to be merry because you are sixteen since yesterday. Come, let's find the herbs," and joining hands the two ran swiftly off to the shore, Betty tucking up her habit with easy grace as she went. T

l; they must have come from a not very distant home, for the horses are not even wet this warm day. Egad, that mare looks as if she had plenty of speed in her; 't would not be a bad idea

and I am too much a squire of dames to take such unkind advantage. There must be some other way out of my present dilemma than

nd their absent riders that supper-time was approaching. But the girls did not return, and the thoughts which occupied the young wande

his feet, as borne on the summer wind

body come!" and then the

h the bushes, crushing them down on either side with a str

r beneath. At the top of the bank stood the elder of the two girls; she had torn off the skirt of her riding-habit, and was about to leap down into the water where a mass of floating yellow hair and a wisp of white gown to

Into one of these depths the little girl had evidently plunged, and realizing the cause of her sudden disappearance the stranger dived with great rapidity at the spot where the golden hair had gone down. His first attempt failed; but as the chi

t beside the unconscious child on the grass; "she will revive; her heart beats and she

tched it on my way down the slope

nner pocket of his shabby garment a small f

hile I chafe her hands-so; see, she revives," as the white lid

ed her sister, "are you hurt? Did

e tansy leaves," and she held up her left hand, where tightly clenched she had kept

e shock will be all you have to guard against, and even that is passing;" for Miss Moppet

y my gown is sopping wet,-oh! have

hand to the stranger, a lovely smile dimpling her cheeks as she spoke. "Sir, with all my heart I thank you.

hill, as the sun is so low in the sky: and if I may venture upon a suggestion, it would be well to ride speedily to some shelter where she can obtain dry clothing. If you will permit m

ed in the underbrush. "Moppet, Moppet, what can we say to prov

ated than her sister, and being always a small person of many re

w friend appeared at her elbow with a

ery large it will cover her sufficiently. Let

t you must come home with us; you are dripping wet yourself; and if you like, you may ride

ut he will have warm welcome and hearty thanks, believe me, for the strength and courage which have rescued his younges

ger, with a start. "Ah, then you

overnor Tryon and his Hessians; we got news three days ago of the movement of the Loyalists, and my father, with my brot

ile curving his handsome mouth, "but they are not near this p

ay mare. "Surely you will not refuse to come to the manor? Aunt Euphe

st be on my way westward before night overtakes me. Can you tell

miles from my father's house. Pray, sir, come with us; I fear for

. With all my heart I thank you for your solicitude; that I am unable to accept your hos

the ardent yet respectful gaze which sought hers; "how are we to return that?

he gave the reins into her fingers; "as for the

as he bent over the gray pony and secured the

when you come to Wolcott Manor. Farewell," and waving her little hand in adie

! The soldiers are uncouth farmer lads, yet they fight and die like heroes, and the country maids have the speech and air of court ladies. Geoffrey Yorke,