The next day our hero, having received the letter with his instructions,
went with the wheel down to the copse near to the mansion-house. Here
he remained quietly until he heard Miss Melissa coming down the
gravel-walk; he waited till she had time to gain her seat, and then,
leaving his wheel outside, he walked round the copse until he came to
her. She raised her eyes from her book when she saw him.
"If you please, miss, have you any scissors or knives for me to grind?"
said Joey, bowing with his hat in his hand.
Miss Mathews looked earnestly at Joey.
"Who are you?" said she at last; "are you the boy who was on this road
with a knife-grinder and his wheel yesterday afternoon?"
"Yes, madam, we came this way," replied Joey, bowing again very
politely.
"Is he your father?"
"No, madam, he is my uncle; he is not married."
"Your uncle. Well, I have a pair of scissors to grind, and I will go
for them: you may bring your wheel in here, as I wish to see how you
grind."
"Certainly, miss, with the greatest pleasure."
Joey brought in his wheel, and observing that Miss Mathews had left her
book on the seat, he opened it at the marked page and slipped the letter
in; and scarcely had done so, when he perceived Miss Mathews and her
cousin coming towards him.
"Here are the scissors; mind you make them cut well."
"I will do my best, miss," replied Joey, who immediately set to work.
"Have you been long at this trade?" said Miss Mathews.
"No, miss, not very long."
"And your uncle, has he been long at it?"