They were now at the gate, he bade her good-bye, and springing on his horse, went away at a pace which was meant to carry off a considerable amount of irritation against himself.

"I had nearly made a pretty fool of myself," he soliloquised.
"It is quite time I went away from here.

But what a sweet little piece of innocence she is, and so lovely! I do not believe anything more perfect ever was created.

Pshaw! who would have thought of _my_ turning sentimental ?" As Lucia turned from the gate, Margery put her head round the corner of the house, and beckoned.
"Your ma's lying down, Miss Lucia,--at least I guess so,--and she doesn't expect you yet, and I've something to tell you." Lucia went into the kitchen and sat down.

She was feeling tired after the heat of the day, and the excitement of her alarm, and expected only to hear some tale of household matters.