Page:The Wanderer (1814 Volume 3).pdf/345

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

( 337 )

"So I asked them what they meant," Mr. Giles continued; "for I never heard of any body's eating toads; though I am assured our neighbours, on t'other bank, are so fond of frogs. But they made it out, that it only meant a person who would swallow any thing, bad or good, and do whatever he was bid, right or wrong; for the sake of a little pay."

This definition by no means brought the assembly back to its gravity; but while Juliet, ashamed and indignant, kept her face turned constantly towards the garden, Ireton called out, "Why you don't speak to your little friend, Loddard, Mr. Giles. There he is, at the window."

Mr. Giles now, notwithstanding her utmost efforts to avoid his eyes, perceived the blushing Juliet; though, doubting his sight, he stared and exclaimed, "Good la! that lady's very like Miss Ellis! And, I protest, 'tis she herself! And just as pretty as ever!