ABSTRACT
I pursued my scheme with great ardour; and the very next night succeeded in cramming all my pockets, as well as my hat and handkerchief, with the finest apples of the espalier. I selected some of the largest for Anne, – it was too dark for me to choose the prettiest – and proceeded to hang them up by the window, as I had done the first, with the greatest caution and secrecy, as I thought; but whether I had made more bustle than I ought, or whether Anne was watching, I know not; at all events, she discovered me, and gave me a pat on the shoulder. I was in the utmost terror. Not knowing who it was, I imagined the worst, and immediately thought of my father! I dared not look round, though luckily I did not cry out, but hung down my head as a boy will do when detected in a fault. I have no doubt that she had a shrewd guess of my motive; for girls, even when young, are very quick-sighted in such matters. She pretended, however, not to understand the mystery of the apples, and said to me in a low whisper – her hand resting still upon my shoulder,
