This at once produced the desired effect, and one of the young girls came bounding up the hill to invite us to return.

It was arranged, however, that we should remain on a hay-loft until quite dusk, which we gladly agreed to.
The host entered with us, and stayed until we were admitted to the dwelling-house.

To me, at least, that hay-loft imparted a sense of unutterable enjoyment.

I was there enabled to support the drooping head of my sister, as overcharged with weariness and pain of mind, she sank into unconscious sleep.
As night fell, we were introduced into a comfortable parlour.

There we had tea and eggs, with some punch.