on is with you."

"But your brother!"

"If he does not like it, he must take the consequence of the utter
separation he made my father insist on," said the Colonel sternly. "For
my own part, I only esteem both sisters the more, if that were possible,
for what they have done for themselves."

"Oh! that is what Rachel would like! She is so fond of the sick--I mean
of your--Miss Williams. I suppose I may not tell her yet."

"Not yet, if you please. I have scarcely had time as yet to know what
Ermine wishes, but I could not help telling you."

"Thank you--I am so glad," she said, with sweet earnestness, holding out
her hand in congratulation. "When may I go to her? I should like for her
to come and stay here. Do you think she would?"

"Thank you, I will see. I know how kind you would be--indeed, have
already been to her."

"And I am so thankful that I may keep Miss Williams! The dear boys never
were so good. And perhaps she may stay till baby is grown up. Oh! how
long it will be first!"

"She could not have a kinder friend," said the Colonel, smiling, and
looking at his watch.

"Oh, is it time to dress? It is very kind of my dear aunt; but I do wish
we could have stayed at home to-night. It is so dull for the boys when
I dine out, and I had so much to ask you. One thing was about that poor
little Bessie Keith. Don't you think I might ask her down here, to be
near her brother?"

"It would be a very kind thing in you, and very good for her, but you
must be prepared for rather a gay young lady."

"Oh, but she would not mind my not going out. She would have Alick,
you know, and all the boys to amuse her; but, if you think it would
be tiresome for her, and that she would not be happy, I should be very
sorry to have her, poor child."

"I was not afraid for her," said Colonel Keith, smiling, "but of her
being rather too much for you."

"Rachel is not too much for me," said Fanny, "and she and Grace will
entertain Bessie, and take her out. But I will talk to Alick. He spoke
of coming to-morrow. And don't you think I might ask Colonel and Mrs.
Hammond to spend a day? They would so like the sea for the children."

"Certainly."

"Then perhaps you would write--oh, I forgot," colouring up, "I never can
forget the old days, it seems as if you were on the staff still."

"I always am on yours, and always hope to be," he said, smiling, "though
I am afraid I can't write your note to the Hammonds for you."

"But you won'