"Old Silas died," announced Annys, gravely, "I have just come from there."
"And how is dear Betty?"
"I did not get to her last night," he said in some confusion. Rose laughed to herself. Matilda looked grieved. "Ah, the poor girl!" she said, "she longed for you so."
"Oh, these lovers will be the death of me!" broke out Rose, no longer able to contain herself. "Were I blessed with a lover, now, I vow it would not be of corpses and dying girls we would talk!"
"Be quiet, Rose!" exclaimed Matilda, sternly for her, "we talk of serious things."
"That's what I complain of!" pouted the irrepressible girl.
Matilda and Annys spoke together a few minutes in whispers.
At last flinging a handful of grass straight at him:—
"When will be the happy day?" she drawled.
He started nervously. "I have a journey to take," he said in a strained voice. "I leave to-morrow. I do not know just when I can return."