‘Ah! Good night. I wanted to see you,’ said Monteagle. ‘I received your note—’
‘When?’
‘Not till to day,’ replied the youth, ‘although it must have been written two or three days ago.’
‘He’s longer than that,’ replied Maria, ‘I waited for you nearly all night.’
‘At the place you designated—under the cliff?’
‘Yes.’
‘Then your business must be important. I am sorry that I did not get the note in time.’
Maria remained silent some moments. At length, she began—‘My errand is no great things. I wanted to see you.’
The youth laid his hand on her shoulder kindly.
‘No—’said she—‘You don’t understand. All you, gentlemens, think girls love you always. Nothing to do but love man, when man laugh at her,’ and she shook her locks independently.