must slander lie in wait, to misconstrue the most simple actions, by surmising the most culpable designs?

Neither to follow the footsteps of Sir Lyell, nor to remain where he might return, she was going back to the farm; when she was met by Flora, who, with a species of hysterical laughter, nearly of kin to crying, called out, "So Ma'am! so Miss Ellis! I've caught you at last! I've surprised you at last! a-courting with my sweet-heart!"

Pitying her credulous ignorance, Juliet would have cleared up this mistake; but, the petulant Flora would not listen. "I'll speak to the gentleman myself!" she cried, running forward to the style; "for I have found out your design; so it's of no use to deny it! I saw you together all the way I came; so you may as well not try to make a ninny of me, Miss Ellis, for it i'n't so easy!"

Catching a glimpse of the Baronet as he descended the road, she jumped over the style to run after him; but seeing