I should like to show you the old house and gardens, though they are very different from these, and we have no ancient monastic ruins to ornament them.

Still, they are very beautiful; and, as I find you are fond of flowers, I will show you some I have reared myself, for I am something of a gardener, Alizon.

Promise you will come." "I wish I dared promise it," replied Alizon.
"And why not, then ?" cried Dorothy.

"What should prevent you?
Do you know, Alizon, what I should like better than all?
You are so amiable, and so good, and so--so very pretty; nay, don't blush--there is no one by to hear me--you are so charming altogether, that I should like you to come and live with me.

You shall be my handmaiden if you will." "I should desire nothing better, sweet young lady," replied Alizon; "but--" "But what ?" cried Dorothy.