's get better acquainted first."

"But, Mr. Halpin--I--I"--

They were now at the gate entering upon Mr. Bolton's farm, and the
neighbour pushed it open, and held it for Bolton to pass through. Then,
as it swung back on its hinges, he said, touching his hat politely--

"Good-day! Mrs. Halpin and I will call over very soon;--perhaps this
evening, if nothing interfere to prevent. If we come, we shall do so
without any ceremony. Make my compliments, if you please, to Mrs.
Bolton."

"Thank you! Yes--yes! Mr. Halpin--I--I--Let me speak a--a"--

But Mr. Halpin had turned his horse's head, and was moving off towards
the place of entrance to his own farm.

Poor Bolton What was he to do? Never had he felt so oppressive a sense
of shame--such deep humiliation. He had reined up his horse after
passing through the gate, and there he still stood, undetermined, in
the confusion of the moment, what to do. Briskly rode Mr. Halpin away;
and only a few moments would pass before he discovered the outrage
perpetrated against him, and that by a man for whom he had entertained
the kindest feelings in advance, and even gone out of his way to serve.

"Oh, why did I act with such mad haste!" exclaimed Mr. Bolton, as he
thought this, and saw but a moment or two intervening between him and
the bitterest humiliation. He might repair the wrong, and, in his
heart, he resolved to do it. But what could restore to him the good
opinion of his neighbour? Nothing! That was gone for ever.

So troubled, oppressed, and shame-stricken was Mr. Bolton, that he
remained on the spot where Mr. Halpin had left him, looking after the
latter until he arrived at the place where an obstruction had been
thrown in his way. By this time, the very breath of Bolton was
suspended. Unbounded was his surprise, as he observed Mr. Halpin leap
from his horse, swing open the gate, and pass through. Had he seen
aright? He rubbed his eyes and looked again. Mr. Halpin had closed the
gate, and was on the other side, in the act of mounting his horse.

"Have I done right?" said a voice at this moment.

Bolton started, and, on looking around, saw Mr. Dix.

"Yes, you have done right!" he returned, with an emotion that he could
not conceal: "and from my heart I thank you for this kind office. You
have saved me from the consequences of a hasty, ill-judged, ill-natured
act--consequences that would have been most painful. Oblige me still
further Mr. Dix, by letting this matter rem