ng insulted him on the instant, and by some open outrage forced
upon him a quarrel from which there could be no retreating. "If I 'd
insulted him before her," cried he, "he never could have evaded me by
calling me an angry boy."

"I'll have no companionship with him, at all events," said he, suddenly
checking himself in his speed; "he shall neither be leader nor comrade
of mine. I 'll get my letter back before it reach him." With this
resolve he turned his steps back again to the Abbey. Although he knew
well that he must reach the lodge before they could return from their
drive, he hurried along as though his life depended on it The keeper
was out, but Tony dashed into the lodge, and found, as he expected, the
letter on the chimney; he tore it into fragments, and turned away.

The day was already drawing to a close as he descended the little path
to the Burnside, and saw his mother awaiting him in the porch. As
he came nearer, he perceived that she held up a letter in her hand.
"Something important, Tony dear," cried she. "It is printed at top, 'On
H. M's Service,' and marked 'Immediate' underneath. I have been very
impatient all the day for your return."

Although Tony's mood at the moment did not dispose him to be on the very
best terms with the world at large, nor even with himself, he felt a
strange sort of vainglorious glow through him at being addressed on a
great square-shaped envelope, "On Her Majesty's Service," and with
a huge seal, the royal arms affixed. It imparted a sense of
self-importance that was very welcome at such a moment It was a spoonful
of brandy to a man not far from fainting.

With all this, he did n't like his mother to see how much this gratified
or interested him; and he tossed the letter to one side, and said, "I
hope the dinner isn't far off; I'm very hungry."

"It will be on the table in a few minutes, Tony; but let us hear what
Her Majesty wants with you."

"It's nothing that won't keep till I have eaten my dinner, mother; at
all events, I don't mean to inquire."

"I suppose I may break the seal myself, then," said she, in a
half-pique.

"If you like,--if you have any curiosity in the matter."

"That I have," said she, tearing open the envelope. "Why, it's nothing,
after all, Tony. It's not from Her Majesty at all. It begins 'Dear
Butler.'"

"It's from Skeffy," cried he, taking it from her hands, "and is far more
interesting to me than if it came from the Premier."

Mrs. Bu