Now, sit down by the fire whilst I lead the donkey and cart to the place where you stay; I will unharness the animal, and presently come and join you." "I need not trouble you," said Isopel; "I will go myself and see after my things." "We will go together," said I, "and then return and have some tea." Isopel made no objection, and in about half- an-hour we had arranged everything at her quarters, I then hastened and prepared tea.

Presently Isopel rejoined me, bringing her stool; she had divested herself of her bonnet, and her hair fell over her shoulders; she sat down, and I poured out the beverage, handing her a cup.

"Have you made a long journey to-night ?" said I.

"A very long one," replied Belle.
"I have come nearly twenty miles since six o'clock." "I believe I heard you coming in my sleep," said I; "did the dogs above bark at you ?" "Yes," said Isopel, "very violently; did you think of me in your sleep ?" "No," said I, "I was thinking of Ursula and something she had told me." "When and where was that ?" said Isopel.

"Yesterday evening," said I, "beneath the dingle hedge." "Then you were talking with her beneath the hedge ?" "I was," said I, "but only upon gypsy matters.