when I
discovered your name and birth, I felt assured that an ancient feud
between the two families, to which nor you nor I were parties, would
bar an introduction to your father's house. You would ask me who I
am. A gentleman, I trust, by birth and education; a poor one, I
grant; and you have made me poorer, for you have robbed me of more
than wealth--my peace of mind and my happiness. I feel that I am
presumptuous and bold; but forgive me. Your eyes tell me you are too
kind, too good, to give unnecessary pain; and if you knew how much I
have already suffered, you would not oppress further a man who was
happy until he saw you. Pardon me, therefore, my boldness, and excuse
the means I have taken of placing this communication before you.'

"That will do, I think," said Spikeman; "and now, Joey, we will go out
and take a walk, and I will give you your directions."

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE.

IN WHICH THE PLOT THICKENS.

The next day our hero, having received the letter with his instructions,
went with the wheel down to the copse near to the mansion-house. Here
he remained quietly until he heard Miss Melissa coming down the
gravel-walk; he waited till she had time to gain her seat, and then,
leaving his wheel outside, he walked round the copse until he came to
her. She raised her eyes from her book when she saw him.

"If you please, miss, have you any scissors or knives for me to grind?"
said Joey, bowing with his hat in his hand.

Miss Mathews looked earnestly at Joey.

"Who are you?" said she at last; "are you the boy who was on this road
with a knife-grinder and his wheel yesterday afternoon?"

"Yes, madam, we came this way," replied Joey, bowing again very
politely.

"Is he your father?"

"No, madam, he is my uncle; he is not married."

"Your uncle. Well, I have a pair of scissors to grind, and I will go
for them: you may bring your wheel in here, as I wish to see how you
grind."

"Certainly, miss, with the greatest pleasure."

Joey brought in his wheel, and observing that Miss Mathews had left her
book on the seat, he opened it at the marked page and slipped the letter
in; and scarcely had done so, when he perceived Miss Mathews and her
cousin coming towards him.

"Here are the scissors; mind you make them cut well."

"I will do my best, miss," replied Joey, who immediately set to work.

"Have you been long at this trade?" said Miss Mathews.

"No, miss, not very long.