“I don’t think it’s fair to let her boss the whole show.”

Mr. Douglas laughed loud and long over this expression, so novel to his British ears.

“Where did you learn that, Marjorie?” asked Coristine.

“Oh, from Guff; there’s heaps of fun in Guff.”

Her companions occasionally took advantage of silent intervals to discuss the scenery, and the Canadian lawyer pointed out spots, memorable in the great pedestrian tour, to his Scottish compeer.  Miss Carmichael never turned, nor did she give Miss Graves a chance to do so; but the Squire managed to sit sideways, without at all incommoding the ladies, and, keeping one eye on his horses, at the same time engaged in conversation with Marjorie’s captives.  The colonel also kept close to the vehicle, and furnished Coristine with new information concerning his wounded friend.  Miss Graves was informed that she was not to be allowed to go to the post office, and her protests were imperiously silenced by Marjorie’s “boss of the whole show.”  The horses, having come out quietly, went home at a rattling pace, and, a good hour before dinner time, the party arrived at Bridesdale, there to be greeted by Miss Halbert and the parsons, in addition to the occupants of the house.  Wilkinson and Mr. Terry received Coristine with enthusiasm, but all the ladies bore down upon the latest arrival of their sex and carried her away, leaving the man, in whom they had expressed so much interest, to feel as if there were a plot on foot to ignore him.

“It mast be very pleasant for you, Corry, to find all the ladies so attentive to your lady friend,” remarked the Dominie.

“Very pleasant for Miss Graves, no doubt; I can’t say the same about myself.”

“I should have thought you would have regarded a compliment to her as more gratifying than one to yourself.”

“Haven’t reached that heavenly stage of Christian self-abnegation yet, Wilks.”

“Perhaps I am mistaken in supposing you take a great interest in the lady?”

“Interest, yes; great, more than doubtful.  She’s the third girl I’ve had to send away for the good of her health.  The other two knew where to go, and went.  She didn’t; so I thought of establishing her at the post office.  I never dreamt the Squire would come for us till I got his message.  I meant to accompany her in the stage, and land her in the arms of Mrs. Tibbs; but here we are, like a bridal party, with Marjorie for bridesmaid and Douglas for best man.”

“Thank you, Corry; you have relieved me from a great anxiety.  Miss Du Plessis thinks very highly of your ——­ travelling companion.”

“Douglas, do you mean?”

“No, the lady.”

“Oh, bother the lady!  Wilks, it’s a doubly grave situation.  If it wasn’t for Mr. Terry and Marjorie, I’d cut my stick.  As it is, I’ll run and engage that post-office room for myself, and be back in time for dinner or whatever else is up.  Au revoir.”  With a bound he was off the verandah, valise in hand, and away on to the road.