Then they broke up the ring and closed in on us, so that I, having dropped my burden amidst the duck-weed, was fain to lose myself among the crowd and give one and all the slip.
I thought I had done so, for while all stood gaping and jeering as they fished out the sputtering hero from his pea-green bath, I sauntered back unheeded to the place where last I had seen her for whose sake all the pother arose.

At first I feared she had fled, but on looking I spied her in company with an elderly woman, who soothed and chid her in turn, and began to hurry her from the place.
But when she saw me, she brushed the old servant aside, and with a blush beckoned me to her.

Shall I ever forget the vision of her, as she stood there, stately and beautiful, with hand outstretched, smiling on me with mingled pity for my shyness and gratitude for my service?
"My brave friend," said she, and her voice fell like music on my ears, "I have nothing but my poor thanks to give thee, but they are thine." The crimson now came to my cheeks, for it hurt me to hear her talk of payment.
"I would gladly do it all again," said I.
"Nay," she laughed, "once is enough surely, at least for me." Then I wished the ground might swallow me, for I deemed she thought me a fool.
"She would come," put in the old servant in an accent which, though I had never heard it before, I took to be Scotch or Irish; "I told her myself what to expect among a crowd of rude, rascally City sparks, that don't know a lady when they see her, and when they do, don't know how to behave themselves.

It serves her right, say I, and it's myself will see she frolics no more, I warrant you--a low, unmannerly pack of curs, with a plague on all of you." "Never heed my old nurse," said the young lady, sweetly; "she and I were parted in the crowd, and but for you, brave lad, I might have rued my folly in coming hither more than I do.

Thanks once more, and farewell.
Come, Judy--thank good Master Dexter for taking better care of me than ever you did, and then come away." I stood like a mule gaping after them as they went, unable to stir or say a word till they were lost to view.