"Pray don't," she answered, laughing. "The effects would be too
dreadful."

"What would they be?"

"The moment you caught sight of my working costume you would be seized
with such a horror of Backwoods manners and customs that you would fly,
not only from Cacouna, but from Canada, at the expense of I do not know
what business of State."

"I wonder why you, and so many of your neighbours, seem to think of an
Englishman as if he were a fine lady. That has not generally been the
character of the race."

Lucia felt inclined to say, "We do not think so of all Englishmen;" but
she held her tongue. Either intentionally, or by accident, Mr. Percy had
stood, during this short dialogue, in such a manner as to prevent her
from following Mrs. Bellairs when she turned back from the rose-bed;
and, in spite of her sauciness, she was too shy to make any effort to
pass. He moved a little now, and she had half escaped, when he said, "I
have not seen a really beautiful rose in Canada till now; may I have
one?"

She was obliged to go back and gather one of her pet flowers for him;
then choosing another for Mrs. Bellairs, she carried it to her friend,
who, by this time had reached the pony-carriage, and was just taking her
seat.

Lucia gave her the rose, and then remained standing by the little gate