her solicitor. Still, it cut him to the heart that the girl was as
Mr. Errol represented her. Doubtless she was quite right in not
acknowledging his business note in person. Then he laid down his pipe,
put his elbows on his knees and his face in his hands, exclaiming
bitterly, "O Marjorie, Marjorie."

Before the end of the week, the Squire received answers to his official
and non-official letters, accepting the trust confided to him, and
regretting that Miss Carmichael had given the writer no opportunity of
more fully explaining himself. The non-official letter also stated that
the lady's position was so much changed by the prospect of a large
fortune as to make it little less than dishonourable in him to press his
suit, at least in the meantime. Mrs. Carruthers also received a promise
that the lawyer would, if practicable, accompany Mr. Douglas to
Bridesdale. Mr. Errol reported a nice letter received by him from the
same quarter, along with the "Civitate Dei" and some reviews. Wilkinson
was in clover so far as papers and magazines were concerned, and both
Miss Carmichael and Miss Du Plessis were remembered with appropriate
literary pabulum of the same nature. More bonbons for the juveniles
arrived by Saturday night, and a letter for Marjorie.

_My Dear Little Love, Marjorie._--It was very kind of you to
remember your poor boy in his exile from home in the big, hot,
dusty city. I liked your dear little letter very much, all except
that one word about you know who. I am sure you did not think, or
you would never have written so of one so good and kind to you and
me. You will not say that any more I am sure. I have put your
letter and the flowers you were so kind as to pick and dry for me
in my best drawer where I keep my treasures. I send you a new
picture book just out, with many coloured plates of flowers in it.
When I come up you must tell me if you know their names. Please
tell your cousins' grandpapa that I would like very much if he were
here, or I were there, that we might have a nice quiet smoke and
talk together. I am sorry poor old Muggins is dead. You did not
tell me what killed him. Tryphena ought to make Sylvanus buy a
spelling book to study while he is on watch in your papa's ship.
Your papa and mamma asked me to go for a sail with them, but I had
to go to town. Now, my little love, be very kind and nice to
everybody