She sat dreaming after the two figures as they rode away, her young heart swelling with admiration of them both. Somewhere, way down in the depths of her soul, there was a little hurt as the winsome pair sped along the far dim road. She was too young to know just what the prick meant, but her good Fairy was at hand.
"Back to your book, Maid Sally," it said, "and sit not gazing after those who can ride of a summer's morn, wishing in your silly young heart that you too could ride. Your turn may come; who knows?"
"It was not quite that I might also ride," answered Sally, "it was—everything."
"Yes, I know," said the Fairy. "You are quick to reach for that which is beyond you. That is not strange. But keep to your studies and your singing; good things come slowly to the poor, but mind you—they may come!"
"Good Fairy, you do always hearten me," cried Sally, and back she went to her book.
But she did not forget the proud and happy face that the Lady Rosamond Earlscourt turned upon the Fairy Prince.
Then came another day long to be remembered, to be hidden in Sally's heart of hearts and kept there.
The morning broke so cool and sweet that Mistress Cory Ann had a mind to go into the town and buy meat and other things that would last for several days. Butter and meat could be put on the shelf in the well, and no fear of spoiling.
After her morning's work had been cleverly done, Sally knew she could be free for a few hours. The men had gone far afield to work, taking their dinners with them, and it would be well past noon before Mistress Cory Ann would return.
Sally, from very youthful gladness of heart and joy of living, had a mind to make herself fine before going with her book to the greatly enjoyed seat in the large oak-tree.