sort of wondering curiosity, till roused by the voice of Mother Doll.

'Go thy ways, my bairn, to wash in the burn. Here's thy comb. I
must have the lassie up before the shepherd comes back, though 'tis
amost a pity to wake her! There, she is stirring! Best be off with
thee, my bonnie lad.'

It was spoken more in the tone of nurse to nursling than of mother to
son, still less that of mistress to farm boy; but Hal obeyed, only
observing, 'Take care of her.'

'Ay, my pretty, will not I,' murmured the old woman, as the child
turned round on her pillow, put up a hand, rubbed her eyes, and
disclosed a pair of sleepy brown orbs, gazed about, and demanded,
'What's this? Who's this?'

''Tis Hob Hogward's hut, my bonnie lamb, where you are full welcome!
Here, take a sup of warm milk.'

'I mind me now,' said the girl, sitting up, and holding out her hands
for the bowl. 'They all left me, and the lad brought me--a great
lubber lout--'

'Nay, nay, mistress, you'll scarce say so when you see him by day--a
well-grown youth as can bear himself with any.'

'Where is he?' asked the girl, gazing round; 'I want him to take me
back. This place is not one for me. The Sisters will be seeking me!
Oh, what a coil they must be in!'