a bishop in
time. Indeed, I already see in you a pillar of our church."

It was not flattering to an ambitious young soldier to hint that he
had so mistaken his calling. L'Isle was almost angry, at which Lady
Mabel felt a mischievous delight; and Mrs. Shortridge was highly
amused.

"It is but a small inducement I can offer you, among so many higher
motives," Lady Mabel continued. "But I promise you, that, whenever you
preach your first sermon, I will travel even to Land's-end to hear
it."

"Lady Mabel shall offer a greater bribe," said Mrs. Shortridge, with
an arch look. "If you will only exchange the sword for the surplice,
Colonel L'Isle, whenever she commits matrimony, no one but you shall
solemnize the rite."

Far from being tempted, L'Isle seemed utterly disgusted at the
inducement.

Lady Mabel blushed to the crown of her head, and exclaimed, "I am too
fond of my liberty to offer that bribe. That is a high and bare hill,"
she said, seeking to divert their attention. "Let us ride to the top
of it, and survey the country around."

"You may do so, if you like," said Mrs. Shortridge, composedly; "but I
have made a vow to do no extra riding to-day. This road is long enough
and rough enough for me."

Lady Mabel turned from the path, and, followed by L'Isle, was soon
ascending the hill. Moodie, somewhat under the influence of his
soporific draughts, was in a reverie, wondering whether Lord Strathern
would get his letter in time to send a troop of horse after the
fugitives, and whether it might not come within the provisions of the
military code to have L'Isle court-martialed and shot for running off
with his General's daughter, when, looking up, he missed Lady Mabel,
and then discovered her with L'Isle, scampering over the hill. In
great confusion, he rode up to Mrs. Shortridge, and asked, "Where are
they going now?"

"I scarcely know," she answered; "but Colonel L'Isle will take care of
Lady Mabel, so you can stay and take care of me."

Moodie cast on her a look of angry suspicion, which scanned her from
head to foot, and plainly pronounced her no sufficient pledge for his
mistress. Spurring his horse, he followed Lady Mabel at a run. The
animal he rode had often carried fifteen stone, in Lord Strathern's
person, over as rough ground as this, and made light of Moodie's
weight, which was scarcely more than nine. Without picking his way, he
made directly for his companions ahead; and the clatter of his hoofs