acquaint him
of their arrival.

In a short time Mrs. Rainsfield and her companions made their appearance
all radiant with smiles, and their faces beaming with expressions of
good feeling; shortly after which Tom joined them with Mr. Rainsfield,
who received the travellers with a politeness that struck William as
having some degree of formality in it. However, a repast was speedily
prepared and set upon the table, to which all sat down; when everything
was cordiality; and after spending a very pleasant and agreeable
evening, the party broke up at an hour rather late for weary wayfarers.
But the gentlemen expressed themselves free from fatigue; and Kate, who
was really a good equestrian, so enjoyed the society of Mrs. Rainsfield,
and had become so attached to Eleanor, that the moments seemed to fly by
with an almost incredible velocity. Not till Mr. Rainsfield had more
than once reminded his wife that it was approaching midnight, did the
ladies take the hint to separate. Then the matron followed by the two
girls, with their arms encircling each others waists, made their exit;
while Tom's eyes followed them with looks of admiration.

In the morning they all assembled at the table; and without tiring the
reader with the conversation that was carried on, or the entire detail
of their plans, which were discussed over the morning meal, we will give
a synopsis of the whole in a few words. It was arranged that William,
his sister, and Mr. Wigton, accompanied by Tom and Mrs. Rainsfield,
should ride over to Fern Vale. William and Mr. Wigton were to remain
there with John, while the rest of the party returned to Strawberry
Hill. Mr. Wigton had declined the invitation of the Rainsfields to
remain with them for a short time on the ground that he would not have
long to remain in their quarter, and he wished to devote as much as
possible of his time to his young friends. Kate was to fulfil her
promised visit until her brother's house was ready for her reception.

The arrangements for the passage over to Fern Vale pleased all parties
but Kate, who had been industriously persevering to induce Eleanor to
accompany them. But her friend had excused herself on the plea that she
very rarely rode, was not at all a good horsewoman, and almost
invariably felt ill after a ride. So Kate, finding entreaty useless, was
constrained to do without the companionship of her friend. The party
took their departure early in the forenoon, without seeing M