not knowing where on earth to go
or what next to do. Before I went, however, to show I was grateful for
their kindness, I made up a little parcel which I addressed to the
farmer's wife, in which I put a tobacco-box for Mr. John Bull, a
bodkin-case for herself, and a little ring for Miss Mary, all of which I
had made in my leisure time. I dare say they were sorry to part with me.
I am sure Miss Mary was, for I fancied she suspected I was not what I
seemed, and had begun to take an evident liking to me. I had taught her
some French modes of cooking, which excited surprise, as well as
gratification to their palates, and I taught her also two or three little
ways of making fancy articles that pleased her exceedingly. It was
through her manifesting a preference for me that, as I have told you,
Monsieur le Capitaine, I felt obliged to absent myself from her father's
employment. It was most difficult at first to restrain myself from
talking. But I soon got over that, for when I was about to speak I made
an uncertain sort of noise, which turned off suspicion. That the head
labourer had some doubt about me, I verily believe. I thought at first I
would try to get to London, but the roads thereto, I learnt, were so bad
and travelling so insecure, even for the poorest, that I considered it
best to remain in this neighbourhood, as I wanted to see Mademoiselle
P--- once more, and settle with her uncle for the money of mine in his
hands. I thought if I could only communicate with him he would befriend
me, so I went on my way.

"I travelled all that day until I got into a place called Warrington, by
the side of a river. It is a town full of old quaint houses built of
timber and plaster. I was very tired when I arrived there at nightfall,
but obtained shelter in an old house near the bridge, and as I had the
money my mistress gave me I bought some food at a little shop; a
Frenchman does not want very heavy meals, so that I did pretty well. The
next day I went to a baker's and got some more bread. I interested the
baker's wife, and when she found I was deaf and dumb, she not only would
not take money for her bread, but also gave me some meat and potatoes.
It seemed she had a relation affected as I was supposed to be. I then
went out to a farm-yard, and having begged some straw I turned to my
never-failing fountain of help--basket making. I made a number of
baskets and other little things, all of which on taking into the to