_Monde._ “Because, if you do, aunt, it will put a disagreeable restraint upon him, and make me very unhappy. I have always been used, you know, to depending upon myself. I have never been a favorite of the gentlemen, or of anybody, except a few kind people who would see that there was something in me somewhere that deserved to be loved.” _Mrs. Hedelquiver._ “And this has been a grief to you, dear, Monde? and is at this minute, as I know by the sound of your voice.” _Monde._ “Sometimes it grieves me; and then again I am thankful. For it has made me self-reliant, and very loving toward Him who will always be near His child, and love her. Aunt, dear, you will promise not to hint it to him, in the remotest way, that he ought to ride with me, or wait on me at any time?” _Mrs. Hedelquiver, dreamily, and as if again hopes were flying._ “Yes, I will promise. But I can’t see what objections you can have to his riding with you. There’s John almost always, you know, in the stable. There is nothing to hinder his going.” _Monde._ “Nothing to hinder, if it is his own spontaneous will and wish; otherwise, every thing, in my way of thinking. Come, aunt, you are freezing.” Scene 3. _Outside the Gate._ _Judge Hedelquiver._ “Ready, Monde?” _Monde._ “Ready, uncle.” _Judge Hedelquiver._ “Wait a moment. I want to tell you, Monde, that I overheard what you said to your aunt in the hall, this morning.” _Monde._ “Did you, uncle?” _Judge Hedelquiver._ “Yes; but never mind it: It was only a new proof that you are the most sensible girl in creation. It is just the way you ought to feel about it. What he will do of his own accord, let him do; but I will help you in this. I will take care that he don’t do any thing for you because he sees you in need of him.” _Monde._ “You are the dearest, best uncle that any poor child ever had! Now, if you will help me.” _Judge Hedelquiver._ “There you are! You mount as if you had some little wings up there among the plumes of your hat. I will bet you have.” _Mr. Cullen, appearing at the door with a book in his hand._ “What, are you going to ride this morning, Miss Hedelquiver?” _Monde._ “Yes, Mr. Cullen.” _Mr. Cullen._ “And alone?” _Monde._ “Yes, sir. Uncle, my stick, if you please.” _Mr. Cullen, springing forward to pick up the stick._ “Now I protest against this! I have been thinking that I wanted to ride--and (laughing a little) that I wanted to ride with you. Let me help you off, now, for a few minutes. I will have John ready in--John is in the stable, isn’t he, judge?” _Judge Hedelquiver._ “Yes, and at your service, if Monde will wait--if she wants you to go. You haven’t asked her.” _Mr. Cullen._ “No! presuming blockhead that I am! Do you want me to go with you, Monde?” _Monde._ “If you want to.”