George, to do him justice, would have married her, but his father told him, if he did so, he should leave the house with her.

So the poor thing had gone away and tried to get needlework in Exeter, but her health failing, and George having ceased to answer all applications from her, she had walked over, and lurked about in the woods to gain an interview with him.
She laid her hand on his, and he felt it was deadly cold.

"Put my coat over your shoulders, Nelly, and wait an instant while I go and speak to Madge.

I had better let her know you are coming; then we shan't have any trouble." He rode quickly through the plantation, and gave his horse to a boy who waited in front of the door.

In the kitchen he found Madge brooding over the fire, with her elbows on her knees, and without raising her head or turning round, she said: "Home early, and sober! what new mischief are you up to ?" "None, Madge, none! but here's the devil to pay.