figure standing by the tent. "Who is that?" said I, whilst I felt
my blood rush to my heart. "It is I," said the voice of Isopel
Berners; "you little expected me, I dare say; well, sleep on, I do
not wish to disturb you." "But I was expecting you," said I,
recovering myself, "as you may see by the fire and kettle. I will
be with you in a moment."

Putting on in haste the articles of dress which I had flung off, I
came out of the tent, and addressing myself to Isopel, who was
standing beside her cart, I said--"just as I was about to retire to
rest I thought it possible that you might come to-night, and got
everything in readiness for you. Now, sit down by the fire whilst
I lead the donkey and cart to the place where you stay; I will
unharness the animal, and presently come and join you." "I need
not trouble you," said Isopel; "I will go myself and see after my
things." "We will go together," said I, "and then return and have
some tea." Isopel made no objection, and in about half-an-hour we
had arranged everything at her quarters, I then hastened and
prepared tea. Presently Isopel rejoined me, bringing her stool;
she had divested herself of her bonnet, and her hair fell over her
shoulders; she sat down, and I poured out the beverage, handing her
a cup. "Have you made a long journey to-night?" said I. "A very
long one," replied Belle. "I have come nearly twenty miles since
six o'clock." "I believe I heard you coming in my sleep," said I;
"did the dogs above bark at you?" "Yes," said Isopel, "very
violently; did you think of me in your sleep?" "No," said I, "I
was thinking of Ursula and something she had told me." "When and
where was that?" said Isopel. "Yesterday evening," said I,
"beneath the dingle hedge." "Then you were talking with her
beneath the hedge?" "I was," said I, "but only upon gypsy matters.