ith, and Ben from a desire
to give Gertrude a fair opportunity to observe his devotion to Kitty,
which increased the moment _she_ came in sight.

They had now passed the Thornton farm, and only one field separated them
from the meadow, which was in the centre a complete quagmire, and only
passable to the thickly-shod, by keeping close to the wall, and thus
skirting the field. Gertrude and Fanny were some distance behind, and
nearly out of breath with a pursuit in which the others had gained so
great advantage. As they were passing the farm-house, Mrs. Thornton came
to the door and addressed Gertrude, who, foreseeing that she would be
detained some minutes, bade Fanny run on, acquaint her brother and Kitty
with the nature of the soil in advance, and begged them to wait at the
bars until the rest of the party came up. Fanny was too late,
notwithstanding the haste she made; they were half across the meadow
when she reached the bars, proceeding in perfect safety, for Mr. Bruce
was conducting Kitty by the only practicable path, close under the wall,
proving to Gertrude, who in a few moments joined Fanny, that he was no
stranger to the place. When they were half-way across, they encountered
some obstacle, for Kitty stood poised on one foot and clinging to the
wall, while Mr. Bruce placed a few stepping-stones across the path. He
then helped her over, and they went on, their figures soon disappearing
in the grove beyond.

Isabel and the lieutenant were so long making their appearance that
Fanny became very impatient, and urged Gertrude to leave them to their
fate. They at last turned the corner near the farm-house, and came on,
Belle maintaining her leisurely pace. "Are you lame, Miss Clinton?"
called out Fanny, so soon as they were within hearing.

"Lame!" said Belle; "what do you mean?"

"Why, you walk so slow," said Fanny; "I thought something must be the
matter with your feet."

Belle disdained any reply, and, tossing her head, entered the damp
meadow, in close conversation with her devoted young officer, not
deigning even to look at Gertrude, who, without appearing to notice her
haughtiness, took Fanny's hand, and, turning away from the direct path,
to make the circuit of the field, said to Belle, with calm courtesy of
manner, "This way, if you please, Miss Clinton; we have been waiting to
guide you through this wet meadow."

"Is it wet?" asked Belle, in alarm, glancing down at her delicate
slipper. She then added,