We walked home quickly, my little terrier Spot moving close behind us, and sniffing at each of us, as though he smelt something very nice. Lucia laughed when she noticed it, and said he was a very sensible little dog.

When we got home she took him into her room with her, and I believe Spot had a very good time of it. At least, I know that on another occasion when he was in my room, he came whilst, I was changing my drawers and licked my cunnie in the most pleasant manner, a thing he had never offered to do before. Lucia knew a thing or two.

When I went downstairs I found Mrs. Warmart talking in a most animated manner to Lucia, so animated, indeed, that I could not but think she had been having a good glass or two.

Ah, here the darling comes,' she said, as I entered the room. 'We were just saying, Miss Susan, that you are old enough, and big enough, to be showing your beauties to the world. For what's the good of a girl made like you hiding herself in the woods. You are getting old enough to be thinking of a handsome young lover.'

'I dare say,' said the talkative old lady, winking at Lucia, 'Miss Susan often wakes in the morning and wonders where the brave young fellow is, who she dreamt was abed with her.'

'Not she!' said Lucia. 'You never knew such a girl, Martha! I don't believe she ever thinks of a lover at all! She certainly does not dream of one. Beetles and butterflies and old bits of stone are more her way'

'Ah, well!' replied Martha. 'Miss Susan may have a butterfly yet for a lover, and I'll be bound she will find he has a good pair of stones with him.'