of the difference of rank which
existed between me and my benefactor; I was restless and unhappy, and
determined not to go near the Hall, until Sir Alexander bade me do so
himself.

"But days passed, and I saw nothing of the good Baronet, and Alice and
I were obliged to content ourselves by roaming through all the old
beloved haunts, and talking of Margaret. We were returning one evening
through the fine avenue of oaks, which led to the front entrance of the
demesne, when a pony rushed past us at full gallop. A boyish impulse,
tempted me to give a loud halloo, in order to set the beautiful animal
off at its wildest speed. In a few minutes we met a lad of my own age,
booted and spurred, with a whip in his hand, running in the same
direction the pony had taken. He was in a towering passion, and coming
up to us, he cried out, with a menacing air--

"'You impudent rascal! how dared you to shout in that way, to frighten
my horse, when you saw me endeavouring to catch him?'

"'I saw no such thing,' I replied, drily. 'I admired the pony, and
shouted to see how much faster he could run.'

"'You deserve a good thrashing,' quoth he. 'Go and catch the horse for
me, or I will complain to Sir Alexander of your conduct.'

"'Sir Alexander is not my master, neither are you. I shall do no such
thing.'

"'Do it instantly!' stamping with his foot.

"'Do it yourself. You look quite as fit for a groom as I do.'

"I tried to pass him, but he stepped into the centre of the path, and
hindered me. To avoid a collision was now impossible.

"'You insolent young blackguard!' he cried, 'do you know that you are
speaking to a gentleman?'

"'_Indeed!_' I said, with a provoking smile. 'I ought to thank you
for the information, for I never should have suspected the fact.'

"With a yell of rage, he struck me in the face with the butt end of his
whip. I sprang upon him with the strength of a tiger, and seizing his
puny form in my arms, I dashed him beneath my feet, and after bestowing
upon him sundry hearty kicks, rejoined the terrified Alice, and left
Mr. Theophilus Moncton, to gather up his fallen dignity, and make the
best of his way home to the Hall.

"This frolic cost me far more than I expected. The next morning, Sir
Alexander rode over to the Lodge, and severely reprimanded me for my
conduct; and ended his lecture, by affirming in positive terms, that if
I did not beg his young relative's pardon, he would withdraw his favour
from me