"Well, p'raps I am a bit; you don't mind if I go and talk it all over with aunt?" "That I don't; when you smile at me so cheerful like that there's nought I wouldn't give yer. Now you look here, Griffiths, the steward, is going to get up a sort of display at the Court, and the villagers are going; there is talk of a supper afterward in the barns, but that may or may not be. What do you say to you and me going into the avenue and seeing Squire and Madam drive in. What do you say, Het?" "Oh, George, I'd like it." "You would not think of giving a body a kiss for it, eh?" "Yes, that I would." She ran behind him, flung her soft arms round his neck, and pressed a kiss against his cheek just above his whiskers. "That won't do," he said. "I won't take yer for that--I must have it on my lips." She gave him a shy peck something like a robin. He caught her suddenly in his arms, squeezed her to his heart, and kissed her over and over again. "I love thee more than words can say," he cried. "I am mad to get your love in return. Will the day ever come, Het?" "I don't know, George; I'd like to say so to please you, but I can't tell a lie about a thing like that." "To be sure, you can't," he said, rising as he spoke. "You'd soon be found out." "I'd like well to love you," she continued, "for you're good to me; but now I must be off to see Aunt Fanny." Vincent left the kitchen, and Hetty hurried to her room to dress herself trimly. Ten minutes later she was on her way to the village. The pretty little place already wore a festive air. Bunting had been hung across the streets, flags were flying gayly from many upper windows. The shop-keepers stood at their doors chatting to one another; several of them nodded to Hetty as she passed by. "That you, Hetty Vincent?" called out one woman. "You've heard the news, I guess." "Yes, about Squire and Madam," said Hetty. "It has come unexpected," said the woman. "We didn't know until this morning that Squire was to be back to-night. Mr. Griffiths got the letter by the first post, and he's been nearly off his head since; there ain't a man in the village though that hasn't turned to help him with a will, and there are to be bonfires and all the rest. They say Squire and Madam are to live at the Court now. Pity the poor child went off so sudden. He were a main fine little chap; pity he ain't there to return home with his father and mother. You look better, Hetty Vincent--not so peaky like. Pain in the side less?" "Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn't," answered Hetty; "it's much better to-day. I can't stay talking any longer though, Mrs. Martin, for I want to catch Aunt Fanny." "Well, you'll find her at home, but as busy as a bee, the whole place is flocking to the inn to learn the latest news. We're a-going up to the Court presently to welcome 'em home. You and your good man will come, too, eh, Hetty?" "Yes, for sure," answered Hetty. She continued her walk up the village street.