._ That's exactly what I wish, Lucy; but it must be soon, as we
expect my brother and his friend belonging to the same regiment, and I
must not be out of the way when they arrive.

_Lucy._ Who is this friend?

_Agnes._ A Captain Mertoun. (_Sighs._) I have seen him before.

_Lucy._ He is then acquainted with your family?

_Agnes._ Not with my father and mother. When I was at Cheltenham with my
aunt, I met him very often. There is a little secret there, too, Lucy.

_Lucy._ Another?

_Agnes._ Yes, another. Don't you long to hear it?

_Lucy._ (_Smiling_). If you long to tell it?

_Agnes._ How provoking you are! You know I do. Well, then, this Captain
Mertoun is--a very handsome man.

_Lucy._ Is that all?

_Agnes._ No; but it's something to the point, because he says he is very
much in love with me.

_Lucy._ I'll believe that. Who is not?

_Agnes._ Don't be silly, Lucy; but the last part of the secret is the
most important. I think, Lucy, that I like him--that is--a little--a
very little. Now, since my father has told me he was coming down with my
brother, I've been in a perfect fever, I don't know why--and so--and
so--that is the reason why I wish to have my fortune told. I know that
it's very silly, and all nonsense; but still nonsense is very agreeable
sometimes.

_Lucy._ But you will not believe a word that you are told.

_Agnes._ No, not one word, unless it happens to meet with my own wishes;
and then you know.--But I really must be gone. Good-bye, Lucy. Remember
our meeting in the wood. [_Exit Agnes._

_Lucy._ God bless thee, dearest Agnes; yet would that I had never seen
either you or your brother! What is intended in kindness is, too often,
cruelty. The kiss of affection that is implanted on the lips, may take
so deep a root, as to entwine the heart. Heigho! What an elegant young
man is Captain Etheridge! I recollect, when we used to romp, and
quarrel, and kiss; then, I had no fear of him: and now, if he but speaks
to me, I tremble, and feel my face burn with blushes. Heigho!--this
world demands more philosophy than is usually possessed by a girl of
nineteen.

_Scene V._

_The Gipsy encampment.--Enter Nelly._

_Nelly._ I have been plotting my revenge on Lady Etheridge; and I have a
scheme which may succeed. I must, however, be guided by circumstances;
yet, by the means of this senseless fool, I hope to make much mischief.
O, here he comes.

_Enter Peter._

Good day, again. I have been wai