Indeed, he looks so," observed Miss March, thoughtfully.

"And I believe--at least I have often heard--that good men are rare." I had no time to enter into that momentous question, when the origin of it himself appeared, breaking through the bushes to join us.
He apologized for so doing, saying Mr.March had sent him.
"You surely do not mean that you come upon compulsion?
What an ill compliment to this lovely wood." And the eyes of the "nut-browne mayde" were a little mischievous.

John looked preternaturally grave, as he said, "I trust you do not object to my coming ?" She smiled--so merrily, that his slight haughtiness evaporated like mist before the sunbeams.
"I was obliged to startle you by jumping through the bushes; for I heard my own name.

What terrible revelations has this friend of mine been making to you, Miss March ?" He spoke gaily; but I fancied he looked uneasy.

The young lady only laughed.
"I have a great mind not to tell you, Mr.Halifax." "Not when I ask you ?" He spoke so seriously that she could choose but reply.
"Mr.Fletcher was telling me three simple facts:--First, that you were an orphan, without relatives.