tenance, he gracefully retired to his steed, vaulted
into the saddle, and, galloping away, was soon hidden
from their view by a turn in the road.

"Oh, nurse, Mona, we have been rude indeed!"
then exclaimed the younger: "We have committed
the most odious of all sins, ingratitude; and," she
added half archly, "we have seen the noblest of all
forms, Mona, a gentleman. Nay, but to have let the
chivalrous stranger, our deliverer, depart without a
word of grateful recognition; -- who will champion us
the next time, good Mona."

"May we never again require such timely help,
child," replied her mentor: "But let us go within
and ascertain the damage that has been done there by
these vagabonds from the city;" and, so saying, she
took up the dead lap-dog and carried it tenderly
in upon her arm, viewing it with a wistful expres-
sion of grief and pity, whilst Amanda stooped to ca-
ress the wounded mastiff, then followed with an air
of pensive majesty, not without looking in the direc-
tion in which the gallant stranger had disappeared.

[[20]]

p019 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p020w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p021

v?