hat a horrid bear that man is," exclaimed Kate, as she rode between
the other two equestrians. "What could have induced him to be so rude?
Have you any idea, Will?"

William certainly had an idea, and it grieved him much to contemplate
it, for he thought he read in the occurrence a rupture between his
brother and Bob Smithers. But he was deep in thought when his sister
addressed him, and not until she had repeated her question did he make
any reply; and that reply, if not strictly the truth, was, he thought,
the best he could make, rather than by uttering his convictions, to
excite the fears of his sister for her brother John.

"No, my Kate, I do not," replied William, "but what does it signify? We
have no occasion to trouble ourselves about the circumstance. Bob
Smithers was exceedingly ungentlemanly in his behaviour; but I believe
he is proverbial for that sort of conduct, so I think we need not give
the matter any further thought. Do you, Mr. Wigton?"

"You are quite right, William," replied the minister, "the folly or
frivolity of the man, for at most it is only such, should not be allowed
to give us any uneasiness. If it was intended to convey any insult, we
can best show our appreciation of it by allowing it at once to sink into
oblivion; but I have no doubt it may be attributable to his
extraordinary manner, which, you say, is customary."

"Well," said Kate, "I'll tell Miss Rainsfield of the manner in which he
treated us; it is only right that she should know what a ruffian he is."

"Now, my thoughtless little sister, you must do no such thing," said her
brother; "rather studiously avoid mentioning anything at Strawberry Hill
disparaging of Bob Smithers. Miss Rainsfield must be better acquainted
with the gentleman's character and manner than either you or I; and the
relation of any such affront as we have received might cause her
considerable and unnecessary pain."

"Nonsense, William," cried the girl. "Miss Rainsfield ought to know how
he acts to strangers, because, I am sure, he'll always behave himself
before her; and I am convinced if she only knew what a bear he is, she
would not have anything to say to him."

"Kate," remarked Mr. Wigton, "William is quite right; it would be
better to say nothing about the affair, if, as I imagine from your
conversation, this young lady entertains any regard for Mr. Smithers.
She must be better acquainted with his feelings than we; consequently,
we should avoid the po