"Mistress Cory Ann might say it was a good sign," said Sally.
"Do not be a silly, taking note of signs and omens!" cried the Fairy. "They bear no meaning except for simple souls that know no better than to make them up. Wise people and signs have naught to do with each other."
Still Sally felt happy. She was glad that in white array, with flowers and midst sunshine and songs of birds, she had first come face to face with her Fairy Prince.
"But he had been hurt," reminded the Fairy.
"Not badly," serenely smiled Maid Sally. "He soon came around with a little attention."
That evening Sally strolled around to her seat in the hedge, hoping and wishing that she might hear some of the reading that had always charmed her. But long she sat there before any one came to the arbor. The pale stars came out in the azure heavens, and indeed the maiden had a quiet nap before there came a sound to break the stillness of the pretty evening.
Then the family coach drew up before the gate, and a gay company alighted. Sally knew by this that there had been a supper party somewhere, and that the young people had been away.
Would they go directly to the house, she wondered, or would they stroll over to the arbor for awhile?
Ah, they were coming over. She wished she might peep at them in their fine attire, but no, it would not do to try, and besides, she could not see them very plainly now. Pretty soon she heard Lucretia say:
"I saw fair brows grow into a frown, when it was found you were too lame to dance to-night, my brother."