NEGOTIATIONS. 45

“ Not at all,” I say briskly, “ the thing is,
now, will you promise me?” and I lean
forward on the barrow and wait anxiously
for his answer.

After some consideration Simmons goes
up to the nearest horse, and while stroking
his glossy neck he says, slowly:

“ Well, Miss Madge, of course you know
that Pd be glad to do anything I could to
help you out of your difficulty, but I can’t
do nothing that would be against master’s
wishes, you know; so if you'll just let me
know what it is you want I'll think it over a
bit.”

I stop a moment before replying, to won-
der if it will be safe to divulge my secret
before ascertaining if Simmons means to help
me.

I decide not, and make up my mind to
make my request first boldly.

Having settled thus I come to the point
at once and say: ‘‘ Well, the fact is, I want
you to let me have the pony-carriage out
to-morrow.”