The picture that she made to his eyes was in keeping with the soothing sights and sounds of this placid day. She wore a white kirtle and cap, but the latter had failed to restrain the abundant hair which showed itself in little curls upon her forehead, and in long strands of sunshine over her ears and behind them. She was pleasant to look at—as pleasant as was everything else of nature on this day; and he looked at her with pleased eyes for some time before speaking.
As for Nelly, she was not watching him; but he could see that she had seen him; she had only turned away lest he should have a man's distaste to be caught sleeping in the daytime. He perceived this the moment that he spoke and she turned to him. The little start that she gave was artificial. It made him smile.
“I am at your mercy; but you will not betray my weakness to anyone,” he said, smiling at her.
“Oh, sir!” she cried, raising her hands.
“You saw me sleeping. I hope that 'twas not for long,” he said.
“I did not come hither more than five minutes agone, sir,” she replied. “You cannot have slept more than half an hour. I came to seek you after the preaching.”
“You have not been at your church, girl?” he said.
“I was at your church, Mr. Wesley. I like Parson Rodney. I did not go to his church.”
He shook his head.
“I like not such an answer, child.'Twould grieve me to learn that there were many of my hearers who would frame the same excuse.”