I followed at a distance.

After admiring a bit of moon-light fancy-work, they strayed into a summer-house, and I got close enough to hear what they were talking about; I found that she was making particular inquiries as to my identity, and that he was unable to give her the information she desired.

I did not feel much encouraged by the tone in which she alluded to me.

Unfortunately, I rustled a branch in my eagerness to catch every word, and so discovered myself.

Beating a hasty retreat, I went back to the house, took my hat, and quietly retired, walking most of the way to the city, a distance of several miles.