nics
at night would come smiles, as he told how papa would not let him be
forced to pat the dreadful dog, and had carried him in his arms through
the herd of cattle, though it did tire him, for, after putting him down,
he had to lean on the gate and pant. So next time the little boy would
not ask to be carried, and by the help of holding his hand, so bravely
passed the savage beasts, that his uncle pronounced that they should
make a man of him yet.

Arthur, always happier when the little fingers were in his, was
constantly talking of the good that Johnnie was to gain in the life in
the open air; and this project continually occupied them. The cottage
was a very pretty one, and most joyously did Olivia show it off to
Violet and Mrs. Moss, planning the improvements that Mr. Hunt was to
make in it, and helping Violet fix on the rooms. It seemed like the
beginning of rural felicity; and Arthur talked confidently to his wife
of so rapidly doubling his capital, that he should pay off his debts
without troubling his father, who need never be aware of their extent.

Violet did not quite like this, but Arthur argued, 'They are my own
concerns, not his, and if I can extricate myself without help, why
should he be further plagued about me?'

She did not contest the point; it would be time enough when they were at
Brogden, but it made her rather uneasy; the concealment was a little too
like a return to former habits, and she could not but fear the very
name of horses and races. Still, in the way of business, and with George
Hunt, a man so thoroughly to be relied on, it was a different thing; and
Arthur's mind was so changed in other matters, that she could not dream
of distrust. The scheme was present pleasure enough in itself, and they
all fed on it, though Mr. Hunt always declared that the Colonel must not
consider himself pledged till he had consulted his own family, and that
he should do nothing to the house till he had heard from him again.

Violet could not satisfy herself that Lord and Lady Martindale would
give ready consent, and when talking it over alone with her mother,
expressed her fears.

'Well, my dear,' said Mrs. Moss, 'perhaps it will be all for the best.
We cannot tell whether it might turn out well for you to be settled near
us. Colonel Martindale is used to something different, and your children
are born to another rank of life.'

'O mamma, that could make no difference.'

'Not, perhaps, while they were