, to his Scottish compeer. Miss
Carmichael never turned, nor did she give Miss Graves a chance to do so;
but the Squire managed to sit sideways, without at all incommoding the
ladies, and, keeping one eye on his horses, at the same time engaged in
conversation with Marjorie's captives. The colonel also kept close to
the vehicle, and furnished Coristine with new information concerning his
wounded friend. Miss Graves was informed that she was not to be allowed
to go to the post office, and her protests were imperiously silenced by
Marjorie's "boss of the whole show." The horses, having come out
quietly, went home at a rattling pace, and, a good hour before dinner
time, the party arrived at Bridesdale, there to be greeted by Miss
Halbert and the parsons, in addition to the occupants of the house.
Wilkinson and Mr. Terry received Coristine with enthusiasm, but all the
ladies bore down upon the latest arrival of their sex and carried her
away, leaving the man, in whom they had expressed so much interest, to
feel as if there were a plot on foot to ignore him.

"It mast be very pleasant for you, Corry, to find all the ladies so
attentive to your lady friend," remarked the Dominie.

"Very pleasant for Miss Graves, no doubt; I can't say the same about
myself."

"I should have thought you would have regarded a compliment to her as
more gratifying than one to yourself."

"Haven't reached that heavenly stage of Christian self-abnegation yet,
Wilks."

"Perhaps I am mistaken in supposing you take a great interest in the
lady?"

"Interest, yes; great, more than doubtful. She's the third girl I've had
to send away for the good of her health. The other two knew where to go,
and went. She didn't; so I thought of establishing her at the post
office. I never dreamt the Squire would come for us till I got his
message. I meant to accompany her in the stage, and land her in the arms
of Mrs. Tibbs; but here we are, like a bridal party, with Marjorie for
bridesmaid and Douglas for best man."

"Thank you, Corry; you have relieved me from a great anxiety. Miss Du
Plessis thinks very highly of your ---- travelling companion."

"Douglas, do you mean?"

"No, the lady."

"Oh, bother the lady! Wilks, it's a doubly grave situation. If it wasn't
for Mr. Terry and Marjorie, I'd cut my stick. As it is, I'll run and
engage that post-office room for myself, and be back in time for dinner
or whatever else is up. Au revoir." With a bound he was o