And then besides she was so kind, and so tractable, and so intent upon complying with all Mrs.Bell's wishes, in every respect, that Mrs.Bell was extremely averse to require any thing of her, which would mortify her, or give her pain.
When Mary Erskine was about eighteen years old, she was walking home one evening from the village, where she had been to do some shopping for Mrs.Bell, and as she came to a solitary part of the road after having left the last house which belonged to the village, she saw a young man coming out of the woods at a little distance before her.

She recognized him, immediately, as a young man whom she called Albert, who had often been employed by Mrs.Bell, at work about the farm and garden.

Albert was a very sedate and industrious young man, of frank and open and manly countenance, and of an erect and athletic form.
Mary Erskine liked Albert very well, and yet the first impulse was, when she saw him coming, to cross over to the other side of the road, and thus pass him at a little distance.

She did in fact take one or two steps in that direction, but thinking almost immediately that it would be foolish to do so, she returned to the same side of the road and walked on.

Albert walked slowly along towards Mary Erskine, until at length they met.
"Good evening, Mary Erskine," said Albert.
"Good evening, Albert," said Mary Erskine.
Albert turned and began to walk along slowly, by Mary Erskine's side.
"I have been waiting here for you more than two hours," said Albert.
"Have you ?" said Mary Erskine.