The party was now ready for departure, when a new interruption was experienced.  The duties of the pastor were yet to begin, and, accordingly, sallying forth at the head of his remaining congregation, Parson Witter placed himself in front of the seceders.  It is unnecessary that we should state his purpose; it is as little necessary that we should say that it was unavailing.  Men of the kind of whom we speak, though perhaps not insensible to some of the bolder virtues, have no sympathy or love for a faith which teaches forbearance under wrong and insult, and meekness under blows.  If they did not utterly laugh in his face, therefore, at his exhortations, it was because, at the very first, they had to a man turned their backs upon him, and were now generally mounted.  Following the common lead, Ralph approached the group where stood his fair friend of the morning; and acknowledged, in an under-tone, to herself, the correctness of her opinion in regard to the merits of the sermon.  She did not reply to the observation, but seeing his hand upon the bridle, asked hurriedly—­

“Do you, sir—­does Mr. Colleton go with this party?”

“I do; the circumstance are all so novel, and I am curious to see as much of manners and events foreign to those to which I have been accustomed, as may be practicable.”

“I fear, sir, that those which you may behold on occasions such as these, and in this country, though they may enlighten you, will do little toward your gratification.  You have friends, sir, who might not be willing that you should indulge in unnecessary exposure, for the satisfaction of a curiosity so unpromising.”

Her manner was dignified, and though as she spoke a something of rebuke came mingled with the caution which her language conveyed, yet there was evidently such an interest in his fortunes embodied in what she said, that the listener whom she addressed could not feel hurt at the words themselves, or the accompanying expression.

“I shall be a mere looker-on, Miss Munro, and dare to disregard the caution which you bestow, though duly sensible of the kindness which gives it utterance.  Perhaps, too, I may be of service in the way of peace-making.  I have neither interest nor wish which could prompt me to any other course.”

“There is every need for caution among young travellers, sir; and though no astrologer, it seems to me your planet is full of unfavorable auguries.  If you will be headstrong, see that you have your eyes about you.  You have need of them both.”

This was all in by-play.  The group had passed on, and a single nod of the head and a doubtful smile, on her part, concluded the brief dialogue we have just narrated.  The youth was puzzled to understand the significant warnings, which, from time to time, she had given him.  He felt unconscious of any foe in particular, and though at that time sojourning with a people in whom he could repose but little confidence,