"I doubt not that he is the worse of the two, if all were known."

"These be dreadful lies about the nicest and properest men in the
country," cried Prudence. "And what will be done with them when they
come back?"

"That I cannot tell; but be sure we shall find some means of getting
rid of them. And now, Prudence--"

"I do not know that I made any promise," she said, archly; "and you
have told me very little, after all."

"I have told thee all I know. Keep now equal good faith with me."

"It would be very improper," said the girl, turning away her face, "to
invite a man to a secret meeting; but I sometimes wander on the edge
of the forest to gather wild flowers, and hear the birds sing, and if
you should come thither by accident, at the same time, nobody, I
suppose, would find fault."

"But when--but when, lovely Prudence? Ah! you comprehend not the
longing of my soul."

"That I cannot say now. I am only a servant girl, and must obey the
directions of my mistress, which are often very unreasonable, and
order not my time."

"Would I were a king, for your sake! But shall it be soon?"