"But he is in ambush, and can shoot you down before you can see to aim at
him."

"You are right, if there is really an enemy concealed there," he
answered, returning the revolver to its former resting-place; "but I feel
confident that it was either a trick of the imagination with you, or that
some one is playing a practical joke upon us. So set your tears at rest,
dear child, and let us hasten on our way."

Elsie yielded to his better judgment, trying to believe it nothing worse
than a practical joke; but had much ado to quiet her agitated nerves and
recover her composure before a brisk canter brought them to the Oaks, and
she must meet her father's keen eye.

They found Arthur in the drawing-room, chatting with Rose. He rose with a
bland, "Good-evening," and gallantly handed Elsie to a seat. Arthur was a
good deal changed since his recall from college; and in nothing more than
in his manner to Elsie; he was now always polite; often cordial even when
alone with her. He was not thoroughly reformed, but had ceased to gamble
and seldom drank to intoxication.

"Thank you; but indeed I must go at once and dress for tea," Elsie said,
consulting her watch. "You are not going yet?"

"No, he will stay to tea," said Rose.

"But must go soon after, as I have an engagement," added Arthur.

Elsie met her father in the hall. "Ah, you are at home again," he remarked