"Oh, dear, what am I to do!" exclaimed Erica. "I can't remember
that you are one of them! You are so very unlike most."

"I think," said Charles Osmond, "you have come across some very bad
specimens."

Erica, in her heart, considered her visitor as the exception which
proved the rule; but not wishing to be caught tripping again, she
resolved to say no more upon the subject.

"Let us talk of something else," she said.

"Something nicer?" said Charles Osmond, with a little mischievous
twinkle in his eyes.

"Safer," said Erica, laughing. "But stop, I hear my father."

She went out into the passage to meet him. Charles Osmond heard
her explaining his visit and the news he had brought, heard
Raeburn's brief responses; then, in a few moments, the two entered
the room, a picturesque looking couple, the clergyman thought; the
tall, stately man, with his broad forehead and overshadowing masses
of auburn hair; the little eager-faced, impetuous girl, so winsome
in her unconventional frankness.

The conversation became a trifle more ceremonious, though with
Erica perched on the arm of her father's chair, ready to squeeze
his hand at every word which pleased her, it could hardly become
stiff. Raeburn had just heard the report of Mr. Randolph's scheme,
and had already taken precautionary measures; but he was surprised