“That is impossible,” replied he; “for I was the very first person to whom it was told, and that was less than an hour before dinner. But come; let us hear what you think it is.”
“Nay,” said I, “that would be letting out my secret: but if you will tell half, perhaps I will declare the rest.”
“Well, then; the gardener tells me his daughter Maria is going to be married——”
“To Joe Harper,” I instantly added.
“Who told you, Lucy?”
“I have known it these three years.”
“Impossible, my dear. It was settled only this morning.”
“Well; I knew that they were attached three years ago, and that Joe was constant, and brought back a true heart.” And I told the story.
“I am glad you can keep a secret, my dear. But as to keeping a secret from you, that I am afraid is impossible.”
“Nay, papa, I could not help seeing what was before my eyes; and I assure you I did not pry.”