which is in perfect keeping with your usual
barbarity. I request you will instantly remove from our presence; as I
have no desire, that my cousin's nerves should be again shocked, by
either the recollection of the past, or the recurrence of future
attrocities; both of which are entailed by your presence."

"For that speech, madam," exclaimed Smithers, "you may thank yourself
you wear the female garb, or, by heaven! I would give you good cause to
repent it."

"I am well aware of it, sir," replied the lady, "if your courage
permitted, you would attempt it; and even woman as I am, I doubt not,
you would not hesitate the application of your whip, were it not for the
restraining influence of these gentlemen present. But go, sir; we wish
no parley."

"The advisableness of that motion, madam," said Smithers, "I will
reserve to myself the right to decide. I am the most interested in the
young lady, who seems so much affected; resulting, I presume, from my
having detected her in a position with that gentleman (scowling at
John) which not only reflects impropriety on her, but discredit to you."

"That, sir," almost shrieked the now exasperated lady, "you have no
right to affirm. We, as her relations, are the best judges of her
conduct, as well as our own; and if Miss Rainsfield is objectionable to
you, I have no doubt she will at once exonerate you from your
engagement. But I have to request that you leave us; for the instant
Miss Rainsfield sufficiently recovers to walk, we will remove from the
spot; and you need not flatter yourself you'll be permitted to follow
us."

"You considerably over-estimate your own attractions, madam," replied
Smithers; "and the merits of your friends, if you imagine they are
sufficiently seductive to induce me to deviate from my path by following
your steps. But I am neither disposed to forgo my claim on Miss
Rainsfield, nor to permit the pretensions of any other suitor."

How long this controversy would have lasted, it is difficult to say,
had not Tom attempted to persuade Smithers to leave them; and Eleanor,
who at the same time opened her eyes, begged him, in a voice and look of
entreaty to depart, promising to explain the circumstances to him at
some other time. He then turned away into the bush, and joined a man who
appeared to be his companion, but whom they had not before noticed;
while the party retraced their steps to the camp, and were soon on their
way home. The feelings that agitat