There were a few sounds from the village, a lowing of cows, and the noise of the boys at play; but they were so tempered down by the distance, that they only added to the evening harmony.
There is another sound now.

Horses' feet approaching rapidly from the side opposite to that by which she had come; and soon a horseman comes in sight, coming quickly down the hill.

When he sees her he breaks into a gallop, and only pulls up when he is at the side of the brook below her.
This is the man she was expecting--George Hawker.

Ah, Vicar! how useless is your authority when lovers have such intelligence as this.
It were better they should meet in your parlour, under your own eye, than here, in the budding spring-time, in this quiet spot under the darkening oaks.
Hawker spoke first.

"I guessed," he said, "that it was just possible you might come out to-night.