all the more, would wed her as soon as he was of age, and carry her to
some soft Southern clime, and keep each noxious air at bay, and prolong
her life, perhaps save it.

And now he began to chafe at the social cobwebs that kept him from her.
But, just as his impatience was about to launch him into imprudence, he
was saved by a genuine descendant of Adam. James Maxley kept Mr. Hardie's
little pleasaunce trim as trim could be, by yearly contract. This
entailed short but frequent visits; and Alfred often talked with him; for
the man was really a bit of a character; had a shrewd rustic wit, and a
ready tongue, was rather too fond of law, and much too fond of money; but
scrupulously honest: head as long as Cudworth's, but broader; and could
not read a line. One day he told Alfred that he must knock off now, and
take a look in at Albion Villee. The captain was due: and on no account
would he, Maxley, allow that there ragged box round the captains
quarter-deck: "That is how he do name their little mossel of a lawn: and
there he walks for a wager, athirt and across, across and athirt, five
steps and then about; and I'd a'most bet ye a halfpenny he thinks hisself
on the salt sea ocean, bless his silly old heart."

All this time Alfred, after the first start of joyful surprise, was
secretly thanking his stars for sending him an instrument. To learn
whether she had returned, he asked Maxley whether the ladies had sent for
him. "Not they," said Maxley, rather contemptuously; "what do women-folk
care about a border, without 'tis a lace one to their nightcaps, for none
but the father of all vanity to see. Not as I have ought to say again the
pair; they keep their turf tidyish--and pay ready money--and a few
flowers in their pots; but the rest may shift for itself. Ye see, Master
Alfred," explained Maxley, wagging his head wisely, "nobody's pride can
be everywhere. Now theirs is in-a-doors; their with-drawing-room it's