force a lady into a corner. If I appear affronted when you
call me Sarah, then you will do wise to fall back upon Miss Drummond.
But why do you fix your eyes upon me so earnestly?"

"I cannot help it, and must beg your pardon; but you are so improved in
appearance since I last saw you. I thought no one could be more
perfect, but--"

"Well, that's not a bad beginning, Jacob. I like to hear of my
perfections. Now follow up your _but_."

"I hardly know what I was going to say, but I think it was that I do not
feel as if I ought or can address you otherwise than as Miss Drummond."

"Oh, you've thought better of it, have you? Well, I begin to think
myself that you look so well in your present dress, and have become so
very different a person, that I ought not to address you by any other
name than Mr Faithful. So now we are agreed."

"That's not what I mean to say."

"Well, then, let me know what you did mean to say."

This puzzling question fortunately did not require an answer, for Mr
Drummond came into the room and extended his hand.

"My dear Jacob," said he, in the most friendly manner, "I'm delighted to
see you back again, and to have the pleasure of congratulating you on
your good fortune. But you have business to transact which will not
admit of any delay. You must prove the will, and arrange with the
lawyers as soon as possible. Will you come now? All the papers are
below, and I have the whole morning to spare. We will be back to
dinner, Sarah, if Jacob has no other engagement."

"I have none," replied I; "and shall be most happy to avail myself of
your kindness. Miss Drummond, I wish you a good morning."

"_Au revoir_, Mr Faithful," replied Sarah, courtesying formally, with a
mocking smile.

The behaviour of Mr Drummond towards me was most kind and parental, and
my eyes were often suffused with tears during the occupation of the
morning. The most urgent business was got through, and an interview
with Mr Turnbull's solicitor put the remainder in progress; still it
was so late when we had accomplished it, that I had no time to dress.
On my return, Mrs Drummond received me with her usual kindness. I
narrated, during the evening, my adventures since we parted, and took
that opportunity to acknowledge to Mr Drummond how bitterly I had
repented my folly, and I may add ingratitude, towards him.

"Jacob," said he, as we were sitting at the tea-table with Mrs Drummond
and Sarah, "I knew at the ti