On my inquiring whither he was going, he answered me, in general terms, that he had some business at a few miles' distance.

I offered to go in his stead, but he said that was impossible.

I was proceeding to ascertain the possibility of this when he left me to go to a field where his workmen were busy, directing me to inform him when the chaise was ready, to supply his place, while absent, in overlooking the workmen.
This office was performed; but before I called him from the field I exchanged a few words with the milkmaid, who sat on a bench, in all the primness of expectation, and decked with the most gaudy plumage.

I rated her imaginary lover for his tardiness, and vowed eternal hatred to them both for not making me a bride's attendant.

She listened to me with an air in which embarrassment was mingled sometimes with exultation and sometimes with malice.