“Sure he’s the blacksmith, my lard.” “And what are you?” “I’m Ody, plase your honour; the short for Owen.” “And what is your trade?” “Trade, plase your honour! I was bred to none, more than another; but expects, only that my mother’s not willing to part with me, to go into the militia next month; and I’m sure she’d let me, if your honour’s lordship would spake a word to the colonel, to see to get me made a serjeant _immadiately_.” As Ody made his request, all his companions came forward in sign of sympathy, and closed round my horse’s head to make me _sinsible_ of their expectations; but at this instant Ellinor came up, her old face colouring all over with joy when she saw me. “So, Ellinor,” said I, “you were affronted, I hear, and left the castle in anger?” “In anger! And if I did, more shame for me--but anger does not last long with me any way; and against you, my lord, dear, how could it? Oh, think how good he is, coming to see me in such a poor place!” “I will make it a better place for you, Ellinor,” said I. Far from being eager to obtain promises, she still replied, that “all was good enough for her.” I desired that she would come and live with me at the castle, till a better house than her present habitation could be built for her; but she seemed to prefer this hovel. I assured her that she should be permitted to light my fire. “Oh, it’s better for me not,” said she; “better keep out of the way. I could not be asy if I got any one ill-will.” I assured her that she should be at liberty to do just as she liked: and whilst I rode home I was planning a pretty cottage for her near the porter’s lodge. I was pleased with myself for my gratitude to this poor woman. Before I slept, I actually wrote a letter, which obtained for Ody the honour of being made a serjeant in the ---- militia; and Ellinor, dazzled by this military glory, was satisfied that he should leave home, though he was her favourite. “Well, let him leave me then,” said she; “I won’t stand in his light. I never thought of my living to see Ody a serjeant. Now, Ody, have done being wild, honey-dear, and be a credit to your family, and to his honour’s commendation--God bless him for ever for it! From the very first I knew it was he that had the kind heart.”