, sir, I only object to the loneliness of the long
journey."

"No one to chatter to, eh, Mr. Magpie! Well, it need not be so! There's
Nace Grimshaw, and his set--extravagant fools!--going up to the city to
flaunt among the fashionables. You can go as they go, and chatter to the
other monkey, Jacquelina--and make Old Nace mad with jealousy, so that
he shall go and hang himself, and leave you the widow and her fortune!
Come! is there mischief enough to amuse you? But I know you won't do it!
I know it! I know it! I know it! just because I wish you to!"

"What, sir? drive Dr. Grimshaw to hang himself?"

"No, sir! I mean you won't join the party."

"You mistake, sir. I will certainly do so, if you wish it," said
Thurston, gravely.

"Humph! Well, that is something better than I expected. You can take the
new gig, you know, and take Melchisedek to drive you, and to bring it
back."

"Just as you say, sir," said the young gentleman, with filial
compliance.

"And mind, take care that you are not led into any waste of money."

"I shall take care, sir."

And here Thurston's heart was gladdened within him. He profoundly
thanked his stars. The new gig! What an opportunity to save Marian the
fatigue of an equestrian journey--offer her an easy seat, and have the
blessing of her near companionship for the whole trip! While his
servant, Melchisedek, could ride Marian's pony. And this arrangement
would be so natural, so necessary, so inevitable, that not even the
jealous, suspicious miser could make the least question of its perfect
propriety. For, under the circumstances, what gentleman could leave a
lady of his party to travel wearily on horseback, while himself and his
servant rode cosily at ease in a gig? What gentleman would not rather
give the lady his seat in the gig--take the reins himself and drive her,
while his servant took her saddle-horse. So thought Thurston. Yet he did
not hint the subject to his grandfather--the method of their traveling
should seem the impromptu effect of chance. The next morning being
Sunday, he threw himself in Marian's path, waited for her, and rode with
her a part of the way to church. And while they were in company, he told
her of the new arrangement in the manner of traveling, that good fortune
had enabled him to make--that if she would so honor and delight him, he
should have her in the gig by his side for the whole journey. He was so
happy, so very happy in the thought, he said.

"And