The Count swore he would marry her; and, though she did not leave him until that monster tried to poison her, yet think what a fine Christian spirit the poor girl has shown! she forgives him as heartily--more heartily, I am sure, than I do Mrs.Score for turning her adrift in that wicked way." The reader will perceive some difference in the Doctor's statement and ours, which we assure him is the true one; but the fact is, the honest rector had had his tale from Mrs.Cat, and it was not in his nature to doubt, if she had told him a history ten times more wonderful.
The reverend gentleman and his wife then laid their heads together; and, recollecting something of John Hayes's former attachment to Mrs.Cat, thought that it might be advantageously renewed, should Hayes be still constant.

Having very adroitly sounded Catherine (so adroitly, indeed, as to ask her "whether she would like to marry John Hayes ?"), that young woman had replied, "No.

She had loved John Hayes--he had been her early, only love; but she was fallen now, and not good enough for him." And this made the Dobbs family admire her more and more, and cast about for means to bring the marriage to pass.
Hayes was away from the village when Mrs.Cat had arrived there; but he did not fail to hear of her illness, and how her aunt had deserted her, and the good Doctor taken her in.

The worthy Doctor himself met Mr.
Hayes on the green; and, telling him that some repairs were wanting in his kitchen begged him to step in and examine them.

Hayes first said no, plump, and then no, gently; and then pished, and then psha'd; and then, trembling very much, went in: and there sat Mrs.Catherine, trembling very much too.
What passed between them?
If your Ladyship is anxious to know, think of that morning when Sir John himself popped the question.