hanged his plans, partly because he wished to accept an invitation he
had received from his uncle in the north, and partly for other reasons.
He was staying at present with Mrs Millar, who was "one of a thousand,"
wrote Will, with enthusiasm, "and, indeed, so is, her son, Mr Ruthven,
but you know Allan, of old." And then he went on to other things.

Graeme read the letter first herself, and then to Mrs Snow and Rose.
In the midst of it Mr Snow came in. Rose had read hers, but held it in
her hand still, even after they had ceased to discuss Will's.

"It is from Fanny," said she, at last. "You can read it to Mrs Snow,
if you like, Graeme. It is all about baby and his perfections; or
nearly all. I will go and put on my habit for my ride. Uncle Sampson
come with me, won't you? Have you anything particular to do to-day?"

"To ride?" said Mr Snow. "I'd as lieve go as not, and a little
rather--if you'll promise to take it moderate. I should like the chaise
full better than the saddle, I guess, though."

Rose laughed.

"I will promise to let _you_ take it moderate. I am not afraid to go
alone, if you don't want to ride. But I shouldn't fancy the chaise
to-day. A good gallop is just what I want, I think."

She went to prepare for her ride, and Graeme read Fanny's letter. It
was, as Rose had said, a record of her darling's pretty sayings and
doings, and gentle regrets that his aunts could not have the happiness
of being at home to watch his daily growth in wisdom and beauty. Then
there were a few words at the end.

"Harry is properly indignant, as we all are, at your hint that you may
see Norman and Hilda, before you see home again. Harry says it is quite
absurd to speak of such a thing, but we have seen very little of him of
late. I hope we may see more of him now that his friend and partner has
returned. He has been quite too much taken up with his little Amy, to
think of us. However, I promised Mr Millar I would say nothing of that
bit of news. He must tell you about it himself. He has a great deal of
Scottish news, but I should only spoil it by trying to tell it; and I
think it is quite possible that Harry may fulfil his threat, and come
for you himself. But I suppose he will give you fair warning," and so
on.

Graeme closed the letter, saying nothing.

"It is not just very clear, I think," said Mrs Snow.

"Is it not?" said Graeme. "I did not notice. Of course, it is all
nonsense about Harry