Farewell!' With that I turned my back and began to walk away; and had scarce done so, when I heard the door in the high wall close behind me.

Of course this was the aunt's doing; and of course, if I know anything of human character, she would not let me go without some tart expressions.

I declare, even if I had heard them, I should not have minded in the least, for I was quite persuaded that, whatever admirers I might be leaving behind me in Swanston Cottage, the aunt was not the least sincere..