"Ay," says I! "if it be not too great trouble, do come hither and listen."
So presently she came out, and no sooner had she stood listening a minute, but she cries in a trembling voice:
"Oh, Benet, 'tis the bell of Falmouth church—hark!"
We stood quite silent again, and there came faintly to our ears, "Dong, dong—dong, dong—dong, dong!" to which we listened till it ceased and came no more.
"What is it, Benet?" says she, not louder than a whisper.
"'Tis but a bird," says I; "but I take it Providence has winged it hither for a promise and sign that ere long you shall hear Falmouth bells again."
"Oh! Benet, Benet," says she, choking with tears of joy, "how good you are!" and with that she pressed my hand and went back to her tent.
"God grant that I be worthier of such esteem," says I to myself in passion.