"Dear little Imp, if it were only true!"
Once again the sound came to me, low and restrained, but a sob unmistakably.
On the other side of the giant tree I beheld a figure half sitting, half lying. The shadow was deep here, but as I stooped the kindly moon sent down a shaft of silver light, and I saw a lovely, startled face, with great, tear-dimmed eyes.
"Lisbeth!" I exclaimed; then, prompted by a sudden thought, I glanced hastily around.
"I am alone," she said, interpreting my thought aright.
"But--here--and--and at such an hour!" I stammered foolishly. She seemed to be upon her feet in one movement, fronting me with flashing eyes.
"I came to look for the Imp. I found this on his pillow. Perhaps you will explain?" and she handed me a crumpled paper.
"DEAR AUNTIE LISBATH" (I read)--"Unkel dick is going away bekors he is in luv with you and you are angry with him. Will you come at nine o'clock to the Blarsted oke, where I hid yore stokkings if you want to kiss me and be kind to me again, come to me bekors I want someboddie to be nice to me now he is gone.
"yore luving sorry Imp.
"P.S.--He said he would like to hang himself in his sword-belt to the arm of yonder tree and hurl himself from yon topmost pinnakel, so I know he is in luv with you."