ing it had been, you have
tact enough to understand that it was beneath my dignity to take the
money back."

"That's true, I am of your opinion; but I warned you beforehand that
my manners were bad."

"I think it less a question of bad manners than a certain arrogance,
a certain despotism----"

"Well, then, pardon the arrogance, the despotism," she said jestingly;
"still, if I confess you were in the right and that I deserve
correction, will you on your part acknowledge that you are making
somewhat too much ado about a little mistake?"

"But you, who are so proud, how can you suppose that a man will
consent to be protected by a woman?"

"Again you are right, Leopold; such a man would be like so many others
I know."

"Pardon me, Francis; our friendship is like a tender plant, and we
must cultivate it so as to prevent its taking a crooked turn."

"If you regard our friendship in such a serious light," she resumed,
whilst a slight blush suffused her cheeks, "I will capitulate on
condition that our little quarrel of last night be forgotten and
forgiven."

I felt myself under the charm again, and seizing her hand in a
transport of joy, I covered it with kisses.

"Leo, what are you doing?" she cried, pale and with tears in her eyes.

"Sealing the bond of our friendship."

"Leo, Leo! you know not what you do," she said softly; "you forget
to whom you are speaking--I am Major Frank."

"I will have no more of Major Frank; my cousin Francis Mordaunt must
suffer me to offer her my arm." And taking her hand again, I gently
drew her arm within mine. She submitted in silence, with a singular
expression of dejection on her face.

"I feel it will do me good to talk to you for once in this way,
though it may be the first and only time. Where are you going, Leo?"

"To the farm yonder; I see you have been there already for eggs;
let me carry the basket for you."

"No, thank you. I had not reckoned on the eggs, but the good people
insisted upon my taking them; I went to see a patient."

"A patient! Do you play the doctor?"

"I do a little of everything; but the patient in question is a dog,
a dear, faithful creature, my poor 'Veldher,' who has broken his leg,
and will suffer no one to touch him but myself. Another trouble I
have brought on myself; and yet, if the others could be remedied as
easily!" she said, with a profound sigh.

She became pale as death, her lips quivered, and, withdrawing her arm
from mine, she