Now she saw the lights twinkling in the farm-house, and quickening her pace, she fairly ran through lane and barnyard, and finally burst into the kitchen, breathless and exhausted, but radiant.

The farmer and his wife, who were sitting with disturbed and anxious looks, rose hastily as she entered.
"Oh, Hilda, dear!" cried Dame Hartley, "we have been terribly frightened about you.

Jacob has been searching--But, good gracious, child!" she added, breaking off hastily, "where have you been, and what have you been doing to get yourself into such a state!" Well might the good woman exclaim, while the farmer gazed in silent astonishment.

The girl's dress was torn and draggled, and covered with great spots and splashes of black.

Her face was streaked with dirt, her fair hair hanging loose upon her shoulders.