She took my hand as we walked, and held it tightly, and we went along as children do when they are going through the green wood in quest of May flowers, only our steps were more fearful, and our faces paler than children's are wont to be.

We went on very silently and bravely, till we were about half-way, deep in the wood, when a cheerful shout came across our ears, and there was a swaying and crackling of bushes; and Arthur Noble's handsome genial face and stalwart figure confronted us on the path.
"Maids a-Maying!" he said.

"A pretty picture, on my word.

Whither be you bound, fair ladies, and will you accept the services of a true knight-errant ?" Rachel's hand had turned cold in mine.

"We are going to the farm to visit Mrs.Hollingford," I said stoutly, "and as you are not acquainted with the lady you had better go home alone, and amuse Mrs.Hill till we come back." "Ah! but I do not like that arrangement at all," said Arthur.