ely sent in her
direction, alighting on her knee. I found the making of a linch-pin no
easy matter; it was, however, less difficult than the fabrication of a
pony-shoe; my work, indeed, was much facilitated by my having another pin
to look at. In about three-quarters of an hour I had succeeded tolerably
well, and had produced a linch-pin which I thought would serve. During
all this time, notwithstanding the noise which I was making, the
postillion never showed his face. His non-appearance at first alarmed
me: I was afraid he might be dead, but, on looking into the tent, I found
him still buried in the soundest sleep. 'He must surely be descended
from one of the seven sleepers,' said I, as I turned away and resumed my
work. My work finished, I took a little oil, leather, and sand, and
polished the pin as well as I could; then, summoning Belle, we both went
to the chaise, where, with her assistance, I put on the wheel. The
linch-pin which I had made fitted its place very well, and having
replaced the other, I gazed at the chaise for some time with my heart
full of that satisfaction which results from the consciousness of having
achieved a great action; then, after looking at Belle in the hope of
obtaining a compliment from her lips, which did not come, I returned to
the dingle, without saying a word, followed by her. Belle set about
making preparations for breakfast; and I, taking the kettle, went and
filled it at the spring. Having hung it over the fire, I went to the
tent in which the postillion was still sleeping, and called upon him to
arise. He awoke with a start, and stared around him at first with the
utmost surprise, not unmixed, I could observe, with a certain degree of
fear. At last, looking in my face, he appeared to recollect himself. 'I
had quite forgot,' said he, as he got up, 'where I was, and all that
happened yesterday. However, I remember now the whole
affair--thunder-storm, thunder-bolt, frightened horses, and all your
kindness. Come, I must see after my coach and horses. I hope we shall
be able to repair the damage.' 'The damage is already quite repaired,'
said I, 'as you will see, if you come to the field above.' 'You don't
say so,' said the postillion, coming out of the tent; 'well, I am
mightily beholden to you. Good morning, young gentlewoman,' said he,
addressing Belle, who, having finished her preparations, was seated near
the fire. 'Good-morning, young man,' said Belle, 'I suppo