ssibility of creating any contentions between the
families; while, after all, there might have been nothing in his manner
deserving animadversion."

"I think I can see the drift of my fair sister's plan," said William to
Mr. Wigton; "she has taken a fancy to Bob Smithers herself, and she
thinks by telling this dreadful tragedy to Miss Rainsfield, that young
lady will be induced to discard him, and leave the coast open to our
Kate."

"You are a most impertinent fellow," exclaimed Kate, as she attempted to
lay her whip across the shoulders of her brother. "I detest the man; and
if he were to make himself as pleasant and agreeable as it is possible
for any man to be, I could not endure him."

"Never mind, my pretty Flora," said her brother, "we will not submit you
to the infliction; but promise to say nothing to the Rainsfields of the
affair at Brompton."

"If you particularly wish it," replied Kate, "I will hold my tongue; but
I cannot imagine for why. But tell me," said she, as her usual smile
returned to its wonted place, "how long shall we be before we arrive at
Strawberry Hill?"

"Not until late," said William, "unless we mend our pace, so we had
better push on;" with which remark he put spurs to his horse, and rode
at a brisk rate followed hard by his companions.

Well on in the afternoon they arrived at Strawberry Hill; and the first
inmate of the house who presented himself was Tom Rainsfield, who
grasped the hand of William, and was introduced by him to Kate and Mr.
Wigton. The former he expressed much delight in seeing, and stated he
had been looking out anxiously for her arrival, and would at once
constitute himself her protector and most obedient servant. With such
little blandishments he led the arrivals into the house; and presented
with due solemnity the treasure, that he said had been consigned to his
keeping, to his sister-in-law and his cousin. The ladies at once
received Kate with that affectionate welcome inherent in women; and,
relieving Tom of his self-imposed responsibility, disappeared with her
to one of those secret conferences, the mysteries of which we masculine
mortals are destined always to remain in profound ignorance.

The gentlemen then issued through the French light, and passed from the
room to the verandah that encompassed the house. Tom brought out chairs,
and desired his visitors to be seated for a few minutes, until the
ladies returned, while he went in search of his brother to