forbid his following her, but her father,
laughing at her discomfiture, said, "Moodie told me last night that he
would have to be of the party. He got his general orders before he
left Scotland, and in this case my sister is commander-in-chief."

The party was now ready, and rode out of the court, L'Isle putting
himself by Lady Mabel's side.

"What special part does this old man fill in your father's household?"

"Properly, none; though he has made himself steward by an act of
usurpation. Just at this time he belongs to my household," said she,
with mock dignity. "And, when at home, he is a very important person
at Craiggyside, a place unknown to your geography, but a very
important and delightful place, notwithstanding."

"I blush to acknowledge my ignorance. Pray put an end to it by telling
me what sort of a place Craiggyside is."

"It is a villa and farm, the home of my aunt, with whom I live. There
old Moodie fulfills his round of duties. He manages the farm, sells
the crops, tasks the ploughmen, overlooks the shepherd, scolds the
dairymaid, bullies the servants, and regulates all that come near
him. He can be charged with no shortcomings, for he overdoes all he
undertakes. Not content with controlling our secular concerns, he
would gladly take upon him the cure of souls. But there he meets with
stubborn resistance."

"He has a varied sphere of duty," said L'Isle, "and seems accustomed
to have his own way. He does not wait for your orders, nor, indeed,
seems to be very amenable to them. In short, notwithstanding the
official title you have bestowed on Mrs. Shortridge, it is plain to me
that the real duenna does not wear petticoats."

"His presumption is equal to any thing," said Lady Mabel, provoked at
the suggestion. "But I will make him repent it shortly. He shall long
remember this journey. But enough of him for the present. Let us make
the most of this delightful morning hour. It will be hot enough by
noon. I am now in the traveler's happiest mood, enjoying at once the
feeling of adventure with the sense of security, which, you must
admit, is a rare and difficult combination of emotions."

L'Isle was quite as well pleased as Lady Mabel with the prospect
before him. He had, at Lord Strathern's request, assented to join a
party, which he alone had gotten up, solely that he might put himself
in the relation of companion and protector to Lady Mabel. The
commissary and his wife were convenient screens, not