which he had
lopped from a tree near, and drawing up his boyish form with true
dignity and an amusing earnestness in his tone.

"Of course not, Johnnie," returned her ladyship, "you and I are on the
best of terms. Nothing that you say or do gives me any annoyance; on the
contrary, it always amuses me."

This last speech of Lady Rosamond had surprised Mary Douglas. Apparently
engaged in selecting the most suitable branches of fir and spruce, she
was more intently occupied in the study of her own thoughts. She was
wondering why the mention of the brook adventure had caused that look
which, notwithstanding protests to the contrary, recalled something
disagreeable to Lady Rosamond.

Being interrupted in these thoughts by her brother Fred's arrival with a
request to go home, Mary Douglas joined the merry party, each bearing
some burden as part of the spoil, while Johnnie collected and piled a
large heap to be conveyed thither when necessary.

On arriving in the courtyard, Johnnie set up three lusty cheers which
brought out Lady Douglas, accompanied by Mr. Howe and Lieutenant
Trevelyan.

"Thought you were on parade this morning, Mr. Trevelyan," exclaimed the
pioneer Johnnie, "else you might have formed another of our party."

"The ladies might not have accepted your decision," returned Mr.
Trevelyan, hastily; "however, I thank you kindly for your
consideration."

After the ladies had returned from making the change of toilet necessary
upon the tour of the woods, luncheon was served. Mr. Howe and Mr.
Trevelyan remained. Johnnie was full of adventure, but made no allusion
to the brook. Lady Rosamond was calm, possessed, and entertaining.
Everybody seemed inspired with the occasion. Sir Howard was deeply
immersed in the furtherance of those measures and means to be resorted
to for the benefit and advancement of the Province. "I have promised,"
said he, "to be able to give clearer views upon the improvement of New
Brunswick a year hence, and, in order to do so, must not neglect one
moment. Another object which claims my notice very urgently is the
establishment of laws regulating a better system of education. The
grammar school is in a state of mediocrity, its support not being
secured on a proper basis. We want a college--an institution where our
young men can receive a thorough education and be fitted for entering
upon any profession."

In every measure advocated by Sir Howard he had the full concurrence of
Lady Doug