"What is up now?" thought she; suddenly
the truth flashed upon her, clear as day. She put her pail down and
stole upon him. "You want to leave us another purse," said she. He
colored all over and panted.
"How did you know? how could you know? you won't betray me? you won't be
so cruel? you promised."
"Me betray you," said Jacintha; "why, I'll help you; and then they will
be able to buy mourning, you know, and then they will come out, and give
you a chance. You can't open that gate, for it's locked. But you come
round to the lane, and I'll get you the key; it is hanging up in the
kitchen."
The key was in her pocket. But the sly jade wanted him away from that
gate; it commanded a view of the Pleasaunce. He was no sooner safe in
the lane, than she tore up-stairs to her young ladies, and asked them
with affected calm whether they would like to know who left the purse.
"Oh, yes, yes!" screamed Rose.
"Then come with me. You ARE dressed; never mind your bonnets, or you
will be too late."
Questions poured on her; but she waived all explanation, and did not
give them time to think, or Josephine, for one, she knew would raise
objections.
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