Mary Douglas, detecting a shade passing over Lady Rosamond’s brow, came to the rescue with another mild reprimand upon the incorrigible Johnnie.  “I am afraid, sir, that you take the opportunity of reminding Lady Rosamond of your former importance without due regard to her feelings, which, you are aware, is not very gentlemanly.”

“If your ladyship is offended,” said the mischievous but generous and manly Johnnie, turning to Lady Rosamond, “I beg your pardon in the most humble manner, feeling deeply sorry.”

“Lady Rosamond you really do not think I would consciously give you annoyance,” said master Johnnie, throwing down the bough which he had lopped from a tree near, and drawing up his boyish form with true dignity and an amusing earnestness in his tone.

“Of course not, Johnnie,” returned her ladyship, “you and I are on the best of terms.  Nothing that you say or do gives me any annoyance; on the contrary, it always amuses me.”

This last speech of Lady Rosamond had surprised Mary Douglas.  Apparently engaged in selecting the most suitable branches of fir and spruce, she was more intently occupied in the study of her own thoughts.  She was wondering why the mention of the brook adventure had caused that look which, notwithstanding protests to the contrary, recalled something disagreeable to Lady Rosamond.

Being interrupted in these thoughts by her brother Fred’s arrival with a request to go home, Mary Douglas joined the merry party, each bearing some burden as part of the spoil, while Johnnie collected and piled a large heap to be conveyed thither when necessary.

On arriving in the courtyard, Johnnie set up three lusty cheers which brought out Lady Douglas, accompanied by Mr. Howe and Lieutenant Trevelyan.

“Thought you were on parade this morning, Mr. Trevelyan,” exclaimed the pioneer Johnnie, “else you might have formed another of our party.”

“The ladies might not have accepted your decision,” returned Mr. Trevelyan, hastily; “however, I thank you kindly for your consideration.”

After the ladies had returned from making the change of toilet necessary upon the tour of the woods, luncheon was served.  Mr. Howe and Mr. Trevelyan remained.  Johnnie was full of adventure, but made no allusion to the brook.  Lady Rosamond was calm, possessed, and entertaining.  Everybody seemed inspired with the occasion.  Sir Howard was deeply immersed in the furtherance of those measures and means to be resorted to for the benefit and advancement of the Province.  “I have promised,” said he, “to be able to give clearer views upon the improvement of New Brunswick a year hence, and, in order to do so, must not neglect one moment.  Another object which claims my notice very urgently is the establishment of laws regulating a better system of education.  The grammar school is in a state of mediocrity, its support not being secured on a proper basis.  We want a college—­an institution where our young men can receive a thorough education and be fitted for entering upon any profession.”