world led you to make such a guy of yourself? I hope you didn't come
through the village."

"I did. I had my horse brought to Oxbar Station, for that very purpose."

"Well, I never! Do you think you look handsome in those things?"

"I do."

"You never made a bigger mistake. I can tell you that. But I want to
know what John is up to--sending you away for a whole year--such
nonsense!"

Then Harry made John's proposal as attractive as he could, and Mrs.
Hatton listened with a face devoid of all expression, until he said: "I
want you with me, mother. I shall have no pleasure without you."

"There is something else you want, Harry. What is it?"

"Well, mother, there is a beautiful girl whom I love with all my heart
and soul. I want to take her with me, but I can not--unless you also
go."

Mrs. Hatton's face flushed, and she dropped her eyes, knowing that they
were full of anger. "Who is this girl?" she asked coldly.

"Lucy Lugur, the schoolmaster's daughter."

"Could you not take her own mother?"