Joey received his instructions, and went down immediately. Miss Mathews was not to be seen, and Joey, to avoid observation, hid himself in the copse, awaiting her arrival. At last she came, accompanied by Araminta, her cousin. As soon as they had taken their seats on the bench, Araminta commenced: "My dear Melissa, I could not speak to you in the house, on account of your father; but Simpson has told me this morning that she thought it her duty to state to me that you have been seen, not only in the day time, but late in the evening, walking and talking with a strange-looking man. I have thought it very odd that you should not have mentioned this mysterious person to me lately; but I do think it most strange that you should have been so imprudent. Now, tell me everything that has happened, or I must really make it known to your father." "And have me locked up for months,--that's very kind of you, Araminta," replied Melissa. "But consider what you have been doing, Melissa. Who is this man?" "A travelling tinker, who brought me a letter from a gentleman, who has been so silly as to fall in love with me." "And what steps have you taken, cousin?" "Positively refused to receive a letter, or to see the gentleman." "Then why does the man come again?" "To know if we have any knives or scissors to grind." "Come, come, Melissa, this is ridiculous. All the servants are talking about it; and you know how servants talk. Why do you continue to see this fellow?" "Because he amuses me, and it is so stupid of him." "If that is your only reason, you can have no objection to see him no more, now that scandal is abroad. Will you promise me that you will not? Recollect, dear Melissa, how imprudent and how unmaidenly it is." "Why, you don't think that I am going to elope with a tinker, do you, cousin?" "I should think not; nevertheless, a tinker is no companion for Miss Mathews, dear cousin. Melissa, you have been most imprudent. How far you have told me the truth I know not; but this I must tell you, if you do not promise me to give up this disgraceful acquaintance, I will immediately acquaint my uncle." "I will not be forced into any promise, Araminta," replied Melissa, indignantly. "Well, then, I will not hurry you into it. I will give you forty-eight hours to reply, and if by that time your own good sense does not point out your indiscretion, I certainly will make it known to your father; that is decided." So saying. Araminta rose from the bench and walked towards the house. "Eight-and-forty hours," said Melissa, thoughtfully; "it must be decided by that time." Joey, who had wit enough to perceive how matters stood, made up his mind not to deliver his message. He knew that Spikeman was well, and presumed that his staying away was to make Miss Mathews more impatient to see him. Melissa remained on the bench in deep thought; at last Joey went up to her. "You here, my boy! what have you come for?" said Melissa.