Wessex Poems and Other Verses

some one at the door. It was nearly dark, but the shutters were not yet closed, nor the candles lighted; and Stockdale was tempted to stretch his head towards the window.

sometimes it reached the level of positive entreaty;

a moment the head of a man peered out, and remained still. He seemed to be also much interested in the conversation at the door, and was plainly lingering there to watch and listen. Had Stockdale stood in any other relation to Lizzy than that of a lover, h

as the miller was gone, he said, 'Mrs. Newberry, are you awar

?' sh

man was looking from the laurel-tree as

emed to demand, and he added, 'Perhaps you were ta

only on busin

n. 'If it was only on business, why

him. 'What else do you t

young woman and man that is li

o me about matrimony, every now and then, that's true; but he was not speaking of it then. I wi

. Newb

it for other reasons. I am glad, Mr. Stockdale, that you have told me o

e, and make no more ado. Let it be Yes or No between us, Lizzy; please do!' And he

hat?' he asked, af

y sweetheart,

ait for me until I have a house

' she said with embarrassment. 'It all comes upon

miller shall not be allowed to speak to you except

have been in the habit of leaving things on my premises sometim

-what t

are called

you deny him,

nnot

good name into danger by his smuggling tricks. Promise me that the next time

urs so much as that,' said she, 'or do anything that would be

to assisting those who cheated the king of his dues. 'At any rate, you will let me ma

don't wish to offend my old neighbours.

d,' said Stockd

y lover,' Lizzy answered earnestly. 'A re

id Stockdale, his c