My disagreement with Betsy most satisfactorily resolved, my thoughts again turned to Miss Jane. I had been to her aunt's home on several occasions on the pretense of donating money to the Ladies Missionary Society - which I could ill afford but I could think of no other excuse. Each time I inquired after Lady Jane. Each time her aunt assured me she would be visiting again very soon. I was becoming impatient - and alarmingly reduced in funds - but could think of nothing for it.

I found some comfort in my daily routines, still taking my morning constitutional to the post office each day. About two weeks after my confrontation with Betsy, during which time I did not see her, I was passing by her place on my way to the post office when I noticed a letter sitting on a fence post near the green-house, tied with a pink ribbon. I opened it and found lines of poetry signed by Betsy. It read

Oh my darling how I long to see you
How I miss your smile and your blue eyes
If you should think to come and visit me
It would be a most wonderful surprise.


But as I felt no urge to see Betsy, I did not visit her. The next day there was another poem with a message very much along the same lines. The next day there was another. Each morning there was a poetry letter, and I ignored the pleading each morning. On the eighth morning I passed by and this time Betsy herself was there to greet me.

"Hello, Betsy." I said politely.

"Hello Oliver. I have missed you very much."

"I have been occupied with various pursuits." I lied.

"Will you come for tea, if I should invite you?" she inquired.

"That would be possible." I said, not being in the mood for an argument. But I soon forgot about this, because when I returned home from the post office I received word from Lady Hilliard that her niece would be arriving within the fortnight.

(To be continued...)