y calling her home. Imparting the news to
Wilkinson, a long and interesting conversation began which branched off
into a variety of topics, treated seriously, at times poetically, by the
kindred minds. Miss Da Plessis was quite unreserved, yet dignified, and
without a trace of coquetry; nevertheless, the dominie assured himself
that Mr. Perrowne had not a ghost of a chance in that quarter. She was
pleased with the generous way in which he referred to his companion
pedestrian, in spite of the provocation which she knew the lawyer had
given his friend. The adventures of the past night, the fresh air of the
morning, the rural scenery and his delightful companionship, made the
schoolmaster eloquent; yet his sense of propriety and natural politeness
kept him from monopolizing the conversation, so that his silent
attention was even more flattering than his appeals to the lady's
intelligence and culture. Outside of the English classics and current
literature, her reading lay chiefly among French and Spanish authors,
most of which were not unknown to the studious dominie. A few ripples of
well-bred amusement were raised by his recital of his experience at the
Beaver River, where he found the Voyage autour de mon Jardin, especially
by his specimens of Lajeunesse French and the story of the dug-out. Of
course, he did not offend a lady's ear with a word so vulgar; it was
always the canoe. Too soon the pleasant morning walk was over, and they
stood before the garden gate at Bridesdale, just at the moment when
Coristine accidentally stumbled and was captured by the fair possessor
of the handkerchief. "How good of your friend to please the children by
taking part in their games," remarked Miss Du Plessis in all sincerity.
"I cannot express the depth of my humiliation," replied the dominie; "it
is scandalous--a violation of the rights of hospitality."

"But, see! Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Perrowne is there; and Fanny also."

"I have nothing to do, Miss Du Plessis, judging them that are without;
Mr. Coristine pertains to my inner circle, and shall know my opinion of
his shameful conduct before the sun rises much higher in the heavens."

"Hi! there, shipmate," bawled the Captain, "come on and add a link to
this here endless chain. I told you your real name, you sly dog! Ha, ha!
Will-kiss-em, eh Marjorie? Not you, you little puss; but your cousin
there, colourin' up like a piney rose."

"I relinquished such sports with my pinafores," answered