g white chief, from the fort out there, came here just now
inquiring for you. When he heard that Clarice was at the spring, he
hastened off in that direction, without seeming to regard me."

Having obtained the axe, I set off after Manley, whom I was anxious to
see, and as I got near the spring I heard him in conversation with my
sister.

"Oh no, no! I must not leave my uncle and Ralph; I should be neglecting
my duty, should I do so," said Clarice.

"But I have told you how devotedly, how fondly I love you," said Manley.
"Do you not love me in return?"

"Yes, I do; I have loved no one else," she replied.

On hearing this confession I should have withdrawn, for I had perfect
confidence in Manley, and what I had heard gave me unbounded
satisfaction. Clarice, however, had heard me moving among the bushes,
and turned her eyes towards me with a startled look. I was sure she had
perceived me, so I at once came forward. Manley put out his hand.

"You heard what I said to your sister?"

"Yes; and what she said in reply," I answered. "It gives me the
greatest possible pleasure. There is no man I ever met whom I should so
much like as a brother-in-law. I would advise Clarice to tell Uncle
Jeff at once, and hear what he says about the matter. My belief is,
that he will not say anything which either of you would dislike."

Dear little Clarice looked very happy when I said this. I was not
surprised that Manley had fallen desperately in love with her, although
her beauty certainly did not depend on the elegance of her costume, for
she had come out without shoes or stockings, with her hair hanging down
over her shoulders, and in her rough working-dress. I must confess I
forgot all about my axe, and where I had been going; and having been
taken into the confidence of Manley and my sister, I remained talking
with them, and settling plans for the future. Suddenly, however, I
recollected that I had work to do; and I had an idea that the young
couple would not object just then to my attending to my duties. At all
events, they said nothing to detain me. Manley agreed to remain with us
that night, and I advised him to lose no time in speaking to Uncle Jeff.

To make a long story short, when Uncle Jeff came back after his day's
work, Manley, following my advice, spoke to him. His reply was what I
had expected:--

"You shall have her with all my heart, for I am very sure you will make
her a good husband."

Manley ha