After strolling through some very pleasant fields, they came to a
sequestered spot, where tall trees shaded a little murmuring rivulet,
near whose banks a very neat farm-house attracted their attention.
"Ah, this reminds me of dear Llanwyllan!" said Ellen: "how much I should
like to sit down here awhile!" "That," answered Mordaunt, "may be easily
effected." He then went to the door, where he met a nice looking elderly
woman, the farmer's wife, and saying he was thirsty, asked her to spare
him a draught of milk or whey, with which she very civilly complied, and
requested them to walk in. Ellen, delighted with the sight of the
farm-yard and smell of the dairy, readily consented, and at Mordaunt's
desire, the good woman said she would give them some cream, bread, &c.
With great civility therefore, she shewed them into a neat parlour, and
having placed before them brown bread, cream, and some bunches of
well-ripened grapes, left them to themselves.
Ellen said:--"Now, my dear Mordaunt, I really feel as if I were at home
again, and can _do the honours_ (as you term it) of this little table
very tolerably; but if, as I suspect, you are much visited by high
people near you, will you not often have to blush for your awkward
little rustic?" "If I had feared that," answered Mordaunt, "I would not
have ventured it; but, as I have often told you, the natural propriety
of your manner will very well supply the place of artificial graces; and
as to the mere forms of society, they are so easily acquired, you will
speedily attain them: but tell me, Ellen, after the cursory view you
have had of something more refined, could you now be contented to sit
down here for the rest of your life?" "With you," replied the tender
Ellen, "I could be not only contented but happy any where yet I own
_you_ seem to me formed for something so superior, that I should forever
regret your being confined to a sphere so limited."
Mordaunt, delighted with the sweetness of her words and manners,
scarcely knew how to express how greatly he was pleased with all she
said. After a few minutes he opened the little casement, for the day was
mild and clear, more like spring than the beginning of November; and
gathering some late blossoms of a white jassamine, which grew round it,
and in that sheltered spot, so soft had been the season, still retained
their beauty: he twisted them with some very small vine leaves across
her brow, amongst her fine hair, in a very particular style, and making
her look in the little glass which hung in the room where they sat, he
said:--
"There, Ellen, _that_ is very like a countess's coronet; the jasmine may
pass for pearls, and the little branch of the vine for strawberry
leaves: how should you like one in pearls or diamonds? I think it
becomes you inimitably well." "This simple wreath may," she said,
smiling as she surveyed herself; "but I believe that this little rustic
person would not assort very well with the splendid ornament you
describe." He smiled, and said--"Do not take it off, but sit down, and I
will tell you a story." "A story!--delightful! I hope it is
entertaining." "Very, and perfectly true. _Once upon a time_: do you
like that beginning?" "Not much; it is too childish: try again." "Well
then, once in the days of King Arthur----" "Oh! do not go quite so far
back--your story will last all day." "What! a Welsh girl and not like to
hear a tale of King Arthur. Oh! most degenerate damsel." Ellen still
laughing, said--"Come, dear Mordaunt, make haste, I long to hear this
interesting story."