r, to see what his
earnest tones might have meant.

"Well! you little Paul Pry! we were love-making and love-breaking, both.
You came just in time to hear that my engagement to Lancy is--not a settled
thing," and she laughed at the surprise in Elsie's eyes. "So please unsay
what you told Mrs. Fremont in the parlor last evening. But what are your
wishes, Miss Gurney?"

Elsie returned her bow with great formality and replied "Miss Beatrice
Fremont sends her compliments, and will Mr. Gurney be kind enough to drive
us to the market this morning, as Miss Gertrude is otherwise engaged."

"With pleasure, but such dignity ill becomes your youthful brow, sister
mine. Did mother tell you the news about Hugh?"

"No! She said you would tell me the news your letter contained."

"Well, just think! Hugh's father has been alive for years, long enough to
lay by a big fortune for Hugh. But he took a fever and died, just when he
was almost ready to return to England. He managed to get a trusty man to
see after his business, who has arrived in Halifax, and Hugh is rich enough
to buy us all out if he wants to. Mother says he has made no plans for the
future yet, but frequently asks when we are expected home, though why he is
anxious about us, I can't see."

Something caused him to glance at Dexie, and the peculiar smile on her face
made Lancy understand at once the reason of the frequent inquiries. Hugh
did not care to make plans for the future until Dexie had returned, when
her acceptance or refusal of his suit would have something to do with his
future plans. But after hearing Dexie's story, Hugh's anxiety on their
account did not trouble him further.

As they walked towards the house, Elsie expressed a hope "that Hugh and
Gussie would soon get married, and would give them a good party to
celebrate the event," and Dexie heartily seconded her wish.

But even Hugh's good fortune was set aside, for this was market day, and on
no account would they miss the drive to the crowded mart. They were soon
speeding along the level road, past cartloads of farm products of every
kind, which were slowly making their way towards the same goal. While
Beatrice was making her purchases the two girls wandered about to view the
busy scene, but they soon became aware that the attention of a
broad-shouldered countryman was directed to themselves. Dexie wondered
where she had seen the man before, as his face looked familiar, but her
memory was refreshed