nd (when the wine is good) amusement, too. Will
you ask the major if he will consent to the picnic, and come? And if
you have got any friends in the neighborhood who like a picnic, pray
ask them too, for I have got none. It shall be your picnic, but I will
provide everything and take everybody. You shall choose the day, and we
will picnic where you like. I have set my heart on this picnic.

"Believe me, ever yours,

"ALLAN ARMADALE."

On reading over his composition before sealing it up, Allan frankly
acknowledged to himself, this time, that it was not quite faultless.
"'Picnic' comes in a little too often," he said. "Never mind; if she
likes the idea, she won't quarrel with that." He sent off the letter on
the spot, with strict instructions to the messenger to wait for a reply.

In half an hour the answer came back on scented paper, without an
erasure anywhere, fragrant to smell, and beautiful to see.

The presentation of the naked truth is one of those exhibitions from
which the native delicacy of the female mind seems instinctively to
revolt. Never were the tables turned more completely than they were now
turned on Allan by his fair correspondent. Machiavelli himself would
never have suspected, from Miss Milroy's letter, how heartily she had
repented her petulance to the young squire as soon as his back was
turned, and how extravagantly delighted she was when his invitation was
placed in her hands. Her letter was the composition of a model young
lady whose emotions are all kept under parental lock and key, and served
out for her judiciously as occasion may require. "Papa," appeared quite
as frequently in Miss Milroy's reply as "picnic" had appeared in Allan's
invitation. "Papa" had been as considerately kind as Mr. Armadale in
wishing to procure her a little change and amusement, and had offered
to forego his usual quiet habits and join the picnic. With "papa's"
sanction, therefore, she accepted, with much pleasure, Mr. Armadale's
proposal; and, at "papa's" suggestion, she would presume on Mr.
Armadale's kindness to add two friends of theirs recently settled at
Thorpe Ambrose, to the picnic party--a widow lady and her son; the
latter in holy orders and in delicate health. If Tuesday next would suit
Mr. Armadale, Tuesday next would suit "papa"--being the first day he
could spare from repairs which were required by his clock. The rest,
by "papa's" advice, she would beg to leave entirely in Mr. Armadale's
hands;