sage for
Chimney Rock, and Edward, looking very handsome and self-possessed,
acted as her escort.

Without explanation, without apology, without so much as a look of
contrition from her travelling companion, at the first interview
Little Wolf forgave all the pain and mortification he had made her
feel. She had forgiven him without knowing it. She thought herself
still angry because her heart ached.

Edward was surprised. He had expected to meet indignant looks, and
perhaps reproachful words; he had feared even worse, for he well knew
the decision that marked Little Wolf's forming character, and he had
armed himself to meet the treatment which he felt he justly merited.
But his chosen weapon of defense was pride and so was useless when
opposed to Little Wolf's unusual gentleness. He was subdued, and when
man's proud spirit is once subdued by the forbearance of the woman he
loves, that woman henceforth becomes to him an object of adoration.

Edward had the day before called Little Wolf, darling, now he called
her angel, and before he parted from her he had said "my angel," and
she had smiled upon him when he said it.

CHAPTER XVII.

WINTER SPORTS--THE DOCTOR'S VISITS--PREPARATIONS FOR NEW
YEAR'S DAY--A DISCUSSION.

Winter had fairly set in. The December winds had for several weeks,
blown upon the "Father of Waters," and he slept like a huge giant, all
unmindful of the western breezes which came to fetter and play their
pranks upon him. Many wild revelries did those winged sprites hold
upon his grim visage, and many a day did the pleasure loving
inhabitants of the lively village of Pendleton go forth and join the
grand revel. On such occasions the newly made playground resounded
with merry shouts and tinkling bells, for there skating and
sleigh-riding and other winter sports were brought to perfection.

Our young friends of the "Bay State" were quite at home amid such
scenes, and nearly every day, might be seen dashing up before their
hotel, a fanciful little sleigh drawn by a fine spirited grey, who
chafed and stamped, and shook his necklace of silver bells, as if to
signal the fair lady, whose coming he so impatiently waited. His
temper, however, was seldom severely tested, for it was Dr. Goodrich
who sported this elegant little establishment, and Louise Sherman well
knew at what hour of the day to be in readiness for a ride.

Occasionally the duties of his profession detained the doctor beyond