"Beggars are sometimes very quick at hiding, little lassie," remarked Mr. Lilburn. "Ha, ha! so they are!" cried the voice of the beggar, sounding as though he stood just behind her chair. "Oh!" she exclaimed, with a start and a backward glance. "Why, where is he? I don't see him at all." "Don't be frightened, daughter," Mr. Embury said in an encouraging tone. "No, bit lassie, he's not dangerous," remarked Mr. Lilburn, with a reassuring smile. "Oh, do you know him, sir?" she asked, looking up inquiringly into his face. "I didna see him," replied the old gentleman laughingly, "but judging by his voice I think I know who he is--a quiet, inoffensive countrymon o' me ain." "Ah, yes, a rather intimate acquaintance of yours, sir, is he not?" queried Norton, with a searching look into the face of the old gentleman and a half mocking smile. "I think I may have heard the voice before, sir," Mr. Lilburn replied with unmoved countenance. "It is not unusual for beggars to accost one who is by no means o' the same class as themselves. In fact, as ony body can see, it would be useless to ask alms o' those no richer than themselves." "Ah, true enough, sir!" was the reply. Meanwhile, many mirthful glances had been exchanged by those--particularly the young folks--acquainted with the secret of Cousin Ronald's peculiar talent, and the guests at more distant tables were looking on with a good deal of curiosity. Bill was presently questioned as he passed them on his way to and from the kitchen. "What was it you saw yonder in that bush, Bill?" "Nothin' 'tall, sah." "But you seemed frightened; you looked scared." "Dat's de reason, sah; somebody talkin' an' nobody dare." "Why, how was that, Bill?" queried another voice. "Dunno, sah; maybe witches roun'; 'spect dat de splanation ob de mattah." "Oh, of course," laughed the gentleman; "but one hardly expects such company at a wedding." Questions were put to Mr. and Mrs. Embury and others as the guests drew together again upon the conclusion of the meal, but no satisfactory answers were elicited. A reception occupied some hours after that, then all returned to their homes, to meet again at Viamede in the evening, where a beautiful and bountiful entertainment awaited them. The next evening a smaller party was given at the Parsonage, and on the following afternoon the bride and groom took their departure for a little trip northward, expecting to settle down in their own home upon their return. CHAPTER XIII. IT was only the next day after the departure of Betty and her husband that a letter was received by Mrs. Cyril Keith, informing her of the death of her aunt Delaford, leaving the bulk of her large fortune to her, and a fat legacy to each of the Conley brothers--Calhoun, Arthur, Walter, and Ralph--and the sisters Virginia and Ella.