Her motions were under no restraint, save that of her own inclination; for her father, though a cross, peevish, old man, was confined to his chair with the gout, and her only companion, a girl of somewhat inferior caste, bred up in the utmost deference to Miss Mowbray's fancies, served for company indeed in her strolls through the wild country on foot and on horseback, but never thought of interfering with her will and pleasure.
"The extreme loneliness of the country, (at that time,) and the simplicity of its inhabitants, seemed to render these excursions perfectly safe.

Francis, happy dog, became the companion of the damsels on such occasions through the following accident.

Miss Mowbray had dressed herself and her companion like country wenches, with a view to surprise the family of one of their better sort of farmers.

They had accomplished their purpose greatly to their satisfaction, and were hying home after sunset, when they were encountered by a country fellow--a sort of Harry Jekyl in his way--who, being equipped with a glass or two of whisky, saw not the nobility of blood through her disguise, and accosted the daughter of a hundred sires as he would have done a ewe-milker.

Miss Mowbray remonstrated--her companion screamed--up came cousin Francis with a fowlingpiece on his shoulder, and soon put the sylvan to flight.
"This was the beginning of an acquaintance, which had gone great lengths before I found it out.