,"
he continued, speaking as eagerly and joyfully as a boy preparing for a
holiday, "but my brother-in-law has sent us ample for our expenses, and
he tells us to take our time, and once there I shall easily be able to
repay him, either by assisting him, or by means of a farm. Alexes, my
darling, I feel now that nature meant me for a farmer, and at last I am
going to succeed."

"Nature meant you, John," she replied, with a look of pride at him, "for
what you are, what you always have been, and will be."

"A poor dreamer?"

"No, my dear husband--a gentleman."

"I thought I was sorry as well as glad," I said, after a pause. "I am
now very glad. When do you go?"

"As soon as we can make all the arrangements," said Mr John.

"But you cannot journey in a waggon by yourselves."

"We cannot?"

"No, sir; you must join a party--quite a caravan."

"That is what Dan said in the letter, dear," said Mrs John.

"Of course. My head is in such a whirl. I had forgotten--but you,
Mayne, you talk as if you understand all this."

"I have beard, sir," I said, colouring a little; "that is all."

"But you, my boy?--we can't go and leave you in distress, and without an
engagement."

He whispered something to her.

"I had thought the same," she said, gently; "but I did not think it
right to propose it."

"Not if he could do better here," cried Mr John, excitedly. "Mayne, my
boy, we have only known each other a few months, but it has been enough
to make me understand you. My wife will vouch for me. It seems to me
that you are alone, an orphan without a chance of raising yourself here:
will you come with us to try your fortune in the new land?"

"Would you take me with you?" I cried, excitedly.

"Take you, my boy?" he cried, "gladly; but, Alexes, speak for me, dear.
I am so prone to let heart master judgment. Should I be doing right?
Should I be doing right?"

There was a silence in the little room which lasted for some minutes,
and during that time the shouts of a party of lads engaged in some sport
came ringing through the window.

"Yes," cried Mr John, "you hear that--boys at play! It seems to me
that our young friend here should be engaged as they are, and not be
called upon to enter into the struggle for life away in some wild
country."

"But I have been at work now for years, Mr John," I said.

"Yes, my lad, I know, and I want to help you; but misfortune has so
marked me for her own that I seem now to h