own stupid construction on my attentions "to the girl at the
gate," as they called her--rather too familiarly, according to my
notions of propriety. I contrived to remind them that I was old
enough to be Susan's father, in a manner which put an end to
their jokes; and I was pleased to hear, when I next went to the
lodge, that Mrs. Rymer had been wise enough to keep these
facetious gentlemen at their proper distance

The day of my departure arrived. Lord Leper took leave of me
kindly, and asked for news of Rothsay. "Let me know when your
friend returns," my uncle said; "he belongs to a good old stock.
Put me in mind of him when I next invite you to come to my
house."

On my way to the train I stopped of course at the lodge to say
good-by. Mrs. Rymer came out alone I asked for Susan.

"My daughter is not very well to-day."

"Is she confined to her room?"

"She is in the parlor."

I might have been mistaken, but I thought Mrs. Rymer answered me
in no very friendly way. Resolved to judge for myself, I entered
the lodge, and found my poor little pupil sitting in a corner,
crying. When I asked her what was the matter, the excuse of a
"bad headache" was the only reply that I received. The natures of
young girls are a hopeless puzzle to me. Susan seemed, for some
reason which it was impossible to understand, to be afraid to