This second personage was a woman; and immediately on sight of her the male stranger hastened forward, meeting her just in front of the hut window.

Before she seemed to be aware of his intention he clasped her in his arms.
The lady released herself and drew back with some dignity.
'You have come, Harriet--bless you for it!' he exclaimed, fervently.
'But not for this,' she answered, in offended accents.

And then, more good-naturedly, 'I have come, Fred, because you entreated me so! What can have been the object of your writing such a letter?
I feared I might be doing you grievous ill by staying away.

How did you come here ?' 'I walked all the way from my father's.' 'Well, what is it?
How have you lived since we last met ?' 'But roughly; you might have known that without asking.

I have seen many lands and many faces since I last walked these downs, but I have only thought of you.' 'Is it only to tell me this that you have summoned me so strangely ?' A passing breeze blew away the murmur of the reply and several succeeding sentences, till the man's voice again became audible in the words, 'Harriet--truth between us two! I have heard that the Duke does not treat you too well.' 'He is warm-tempered, but he is a good husband.' 'He speaks roughly to you, and sometimes even threatens to lock you out of doors.' 'Only once, Fred! On my honour, only once.