"Nonsense! Even if she had it would not frighten her, she would think it had only made its appearance to fall down and worship her; and would spurn it with her foot."
"I am certain she saw something out there, and I am determined to see what it was."
"Of course," said Julia demurely, "and here comes Mr. Hall to help you."
"Always coming when he is not wanted," exclaimed Anne crossly. "I shall not say a word to him; or if I do, I will be abominably rude."
Quite unconscious of what was awaiting him Mr. Hall advanced, and said good humouredly,
"I have been thinking Miss Anne, where we shall go to-morrow for the walk you have so kindly threatened me with."
"It will most likely pour in torrents," replied she.
"I do not anticipate it, the glass is rising, so there is every prospect of our walk coming off; and if I might be allowed to choose, I know of a very lovely one, even in winter time."
"That is impossible," said she sharply, "everything looks cold and bleak."
"Not while the snow remains in the branches of the trees; even then the Oak Glen can never look ugly; the large rocks prevent that."
"The Oak Glen! Oh, pray do not trouble yourself to take me there; I will lead you blind-fold." That will settle him, thought she.
But no, Mr. Hall was not to be defeated in that style, and went on again quite unconcernedly.
"You have sketched it, perhaps. It would make a lovely painting."
"I do not paint; that is to say only caricatures of people that make themselves ridiculous." That must finish him, thought she, as Julia gave her dress a slight pull.
But Mr. Hall had not the slightest idea of leaving, and seemed as though he heard not; and quite out of temper Anne said;
"What are you pulling at my dress for, Julia? I think she has a secret to tell me Mr. Hall, so you really must go away."
"I dare say it will keep until to-morrow," replied the impenetrable Mr. Hall; "young ladies never have any very serious secrets."
"You are quite right, Mr. Hall," said Julia, "my secret will keep very well until to-morrow."
"What a wretch he is!" thought Anne, tapping her tiny foot impatiently on the ground; "Isabella will have finished that song soon, and then it will be too late. How tiresome I cannot get rid of him, when every moment is so precious."