both rich and poor as we went along; greetings which he
acknowledged with a kindly wave of his hand, but with no words of
reply. As we drew near the town, I could see some of the young
fellows we met cast admiring looks on Phillis; and that made me
look too. She had on a white gown, and a short black silk cloak,
according to the fashion of the day. A straw bonnet with brown
ribbon strings; that was all. But what her dress wanted in
colour, her sweet bonny face had. The walk made her cheeks bloom
like the rose; the very whites of her eyes had a blue tinge in
them, and her dark eyelashes brought out the depth of the blue
eyes themselves. Her yellow hair was put away as straight as its
natural curliness would allow. If she did not perceive the
admiration she excited, I am sure cousin Holman did; for she
looked as fierce and as proud as ever her quiet face could look,
guarding her treasure, and yet glad to perceive that others could
see that it was a treasure. That afternoon I had to return to
Eltham to be ready for the next day's work. I found out
afterwards that the minister and his family were all 'exercised
in spirit,' as to whether they did well in asking me to repeat my
visits at the Hope Farm, seeing that of necessity I must return
to Eltham on the Sabbath-day. However, they did go on asking me,
and I went on visiting them, whenever my other engagements
permitted me, Mr Holdsworth being in this case, as in all, a kind
and indulgent friend. Nor did my new acquaintances oust him from
my strong regard and admiration. I had room in my heart for all,
I am happy to say, and as far as I can remember, I kept praising
each to the other in a manner which, if I had been an older man,
living more amongst people of the world, I should have thought
unwise, as well as a little ridiculous. It was unwise, certainly,
as it was almost sure to cause disappointment if ever they did