Encouraged by the laughter of the bystanders, and doubtless entertaining no great dislike to the proposal, Gillian, with a little affected coyness, consented; and the mark was immediately deposited in the tambourine by Dick, who, transported by his success, sprang from his saddle, and committing his steed to the care of a youth near him, whom he promised to reward for his trouble, followed close after the May Queen, as she proceeded with her collection.

Ere long she came to Jocelyn, and held out the tambourine towards him.

An idea just then occurred to the young man.
"You have a pretty nosegay there, fair maiden," he said, pointing to a bunch of pinks and other fragrant flowers in her breast.

"I will buy it from you, if you list." "You shall have it and welcome, fair Sir," Gillian replied, detaching the bouquet from her dress, and offering it to him.
"Well done, Gillian," the old farmer cried approvingly.
"Ah! are you there, grandsire!" the May Queen exclaimed.

"Come! your gift for the minstrels and mummers--quick! quick!" And while old Greenford searched for a small coin, Jocelyn placed a piece of silver in the tambourine.
"Will you do me a favour, my pretty maiden ?" he said courteously.
"That I will, right willingly, fair Sir," she replied; "provided I may do it honestly." "You shall not do it else," old Greenford observed.
"Come, your gift, grandsire--you are slow in finding it." "Have patience, wench, have patience.