The maid began to cry bitterly.
"I wouldn't stay in the plaace but for Mistress Nancy," she sobbed at length. "I caan't tell 'ee oall, sur. There be two of 'em that do want 'er, but she do 'aate 'em oall."
"And she loves young John Polperro," I said. "He's the one that ought to marry her."
"How do you know, sur?"
"Never mind, I do know," I replied; "but say no word to any of them, or it will be worse for your mistress."
"I wouldn't say anything for worlds, sur."
"Amelia," I continued, after much talk, "I am come here to help your mistress."
"To help her, sur,—'ow?"
"I cannot tell you now. In fact, I can tell only her. Could you not arrange that I could see her?"