said a good deal in favour of the cream, "that I promise myself much
pleasure in having such good neighbours? Mrs. Halpin I've always
heard spoken of in the highest terms. She's a sister of Judge
Caldwell, with whose family we were so intimate at Haddington."

"You must be in error about that."

"No. Mrs. Caldwell often spoke to me about her, and said that she
had written to her sister that we talked of buying this farm."

"I never knew this before," said Mr. Bolton.

"Didn't you! I thought I had mentioned it."

"No."

"Well it's true. And, moreover, Mrs. Caldwell told me, before we
left, that she had received a letter from her sister, in which she
spoke of us, and in which she mentioned that her husband had often
heard you spoken of by the judge, and promised himself great
pleasure in your society."

Mr. Bolton pushed back his chair from the table, and, rising, left
the room. He could not bear to hear another word.

"Is my horse ready, Ben?" said he, as he came into the open air.

"Yes, sir," replied Ben.

"Very well. Bring him round."