The housekeeper of a nobleman or gentleman of wealth, in England, generally enjoys an enviable situation. Intrusted with much that is valuable, she is generally a person of the highest consideration and respect, and seldom fails to acquire the elevated manners and refined address of her superiors. The lady in question was exactly one of this description, well educated, and well read; a magnificent library was at her command, and having much time, and what is better, fine taste, she had profited by it. Never was an evening passed in greater comfort, or with a more agreeable companion. After partaking of that most exhilarating of all beverages, the pure hyson, we began to chat with almost the same freedom as though we had been long acquainted. During a pause in the conversation, after looking in my face a moment, she said—
"Will you answer me one question?"
"Most certainly, any thing, you choose to ask."
"But will you answer it honestly and truly?"
"Do not doubt it."
"Well, then, tell me, were you not most horribly afraid when you saw me coming toward you in the church-yard?"
"I do frankly confess, madam, I was horribly afraid, and further, I firmly believe I should have taken to my heels, had you not been a very beautiful woman!"
Before the sentence was well finished her laughter was irrepressible.
"I knew it, I saw it, I intended it," said she, laughing so heartily that the tears sprung out of her beautiful eyes, and she was obliged to use her handkerchief to wipe them away.
"And do you feel no compunction for scaring a poor fellow half out of his wits?"