ccount of those Indians."

"I think it very probable," replied Mary; "but time will show."

Alfred then returned with the pails, and the conversation took another
turn.

A few days afterward, a corporal arrived from the fort, bringing letters
and newspapers; the first that they had received since the breaking up
of the winter. The whole family were in commotion as the intelligence
was proclaimed; Mary and Emma left the fowls which they were feeding;
Percival threw down the pail with which he was attending the pigs;
Alfred ran in from where he and Martin were busy splitting rails; all
crowded round Mr. Campbell as he opened the packet in which all the
letters and papers had been enveloped at the foot. The letters were few;
three from Miss Paterson, and two other friends in England, giving them
the English news; one to Alfred from Captain Lumley, inquiring after the
family, and telling him that he had mentioned his position to his
friends at the Board, and that there could be no call for his services
for the present; one from Mr. Campbell's English agent, informing him
that he had remitted the money paid by Mr. Douglas Campbell for the
plants, etc., to his agent at Quebec; and another from his Quebec agent,
advising the receipt of the money and inclosing a balance-sheet. The
letters were first read over, and then the newspapers were distributed,
and all of them were soon very busy and silent during the perusal.

After a while, Emma read out. "Dear uncle, only hear this, how sorry I
am."

"What is it, my dear?" said Mr. Campbell.

"'Mrs. Douglas Campbell, of Wexton Hall, of a son, which survived but a
few hours after birth.'"

"I am very sorry too, my dear Emma," replied Mr. Campbell; "Mr. Douglas
Campbell's kindness to us must make us feel for any misfortune which may
happen to him, and to rejoice in any blessing which may be bestowed upon
him."

"It must have been a serious disappointment," said Mrs. Campbell; "but
one which, if it pleases God, may be replaced; and we may hope that
their expectations, though blighted for the present, may be realized on
some future occasion."

"Here is a letter from Colonel Forster, which I overlooked," said Mr.
Campbell; "it was between the envelope. He says that he has received an
answer from the Governor, who fully agrees with him in his views on the
subject we were conversing about, and has allowed him to take any steps
which he may think advisable. The Colonel says that he