and Headland soon overtook them.

Harry explained the cause of his being late, but he felt little inclined
for conversation. Julia and Captain Headland were, however, perfectly
ready to monopolise it, while Harry road on a little way ahead.

At length Julia called to him, and as he slackened his speed she came up
to his side.

"Harry," she said, "you warned me some days ago not to allow myself to
give my heart to your friend; but as he has assured me that I have his
in spite of what you said, I could do nothing less than give him mine in
return."

"You don't mean to say so," cried Harry. "What, has he proposed?"

"Yes, and I have accepted him, though he has told me his whole history.
You won't be angry with me, will you? He has asked me to intercede for
him."

"No, indeed, I will not," exclaimed Harry. "I am heartily glad for his
sake and yours. I congratulate both you and him."

"Headland, my dear fellow, she has told me," and Harry grasped his
friend's hand. "You offered to stand my friend, and I will stand yours,
though really I consider your merits are sufficient to overcome all
opposition. Still we may possibly have a hard battle to fight with Sir
Ralph."

"Julia and I are prepared for it," said Headland, "though I cannot tempt
her to be disobedient. I am sure that perseverance will overcome all
difficulties."

"Spoken like yourself, Jack," said Harry. "In your case, I am sure it
will. For myself, I am not quite so certain; even my good cousins began
to lecture me," and Harry described how the Miss Pembertons had spoken
to him in the morning. "I do not think that May will quite agree with
them, however," he added. "No one will forbid her acting as she thinks
right."

"Then are you actually engaged to that beautiful girl?" asked Julia.

"Yes; and I told our mother, and she acknowledges that it would have
been surprising had I not fallen in love with her; and I am sure you
will think the same."

Harry felt in much better spirits as they rode on. He had determined,
however, to say nothing of May's parentage till his sister had become
better acquainted with her.

As they were approaching Downside, and had reached a part of the road
between their cousins' and the Halliburts' cottage, the tall figure of
Mad Sal was seen approaching them, waving her staff and talking wildly
to herself. As she drew near she stopped, and, gazing at them,
exclaimed--

"Who gave the command to bear the poor l