that. But he
does not seem to care whether we want him or not; and he comes when he
likes. As he talks cleverly, we find him a godsend in this dull place.
It is really not such a paradise as you seem to think, but you need not
be afraid of my returning any sooner than I can help.

"Your affectionate daughter,

"Gertrude Lindsay."

When Gertrude had closed this letter, and torn up her father's, she
thought little more about either. They might have made her unhappy had
they found her happy, but as hopeless discontent was her normal state,
and enjoyment but a rare accident, recriminatory passages with
her father only put her into a bad humor, and did not in the least
disappoint or humiliate her.

For the sake of exercise, she resolved to carry her letter to the
village post office and return along the Riverside Road, whereby she had
seen hemlock growing. She took care to go out unobserved, lest Agatha
should volunteer to walk with her, or Jane declare her intention of
driving to the post office in the afternoon, and sulk for the rest of
the day unless the trip to the village were postponed until then. She
took with her, as a protection against tramps, a big St. Bernard dog
named Max. This animal, which was young and enthusiastic, had taken a
strong fancy to her, and had expressed it frankly and boisterously; and
she, whose affections had been starved in her home and in society, had
encouraged him with more kindness than she had ever shown to any human
being.

In the village, having posted her letter, she turned towards a lane that
led to the Riverside Road. Max, unaware of her reason for choosing the
longest way home, remonstrated by halting in the middle of the lane,
wagging his tail rapidly, and uttering gruff barks.

"Don't be stupid, sir," said Gertrude impatiently. "I am going this
way."

Max, apparently understanding, rushed after her, passed her, and
disappeared in a cloud of dust raised by his effort to check himself
when he had left her far enough behind. When he came back she kissed
his nose, and ran a race with him until she too was panting, and had
to stand still to recover her breath, whilst he bounded about, barking
ferociously. She had not for many years enjoyed such a frolic, and the
thought of this presently brought tears to her eyes. Rather peevishly
she bade Max be quiet, walked slowly to cool herself, and put up her
sunshade to avert freckles.

The sun was now at the meridian. On a slope to