"I do not anticipate it, the glass is rising, so there is every prospect of our walk coming off; and if I might be allowed to choose, I know of a very lovely one, even in winter time." "That is impossible," said she sharply, "everything looks cold and bleak." "Not while the snow remains in the branches of the trees; even then the Oak Glen can never look ugly; the large rocks prevent that." "The Oak Glen! Oh, pray do not trouble yourself to take me there; I will lead you blind-fold." That will settle him, thought she. But no, Mr. Hall was not to be defeated in that style, and went on again quite unconcernedly. "You have sketched it, perhaps. It would make a lovely painting." "I do not paint; that is to say only caricatures of people that make themselves ridiculous." That must finish him, thought she, as Julia gave her dress a slight pull. But Mr. Hall had not the slightest idea of leaving, and seemed as though he heard not; and quite out of temper Anne said; "What are you pulling at my dress for, Julia? I think she has a secret to tell me Mr. Hall, so you really must go away." "I dare say it will keep until to-morrow," replied the impenetrable Mr. Hall; "young ladies never have any very serious secrets." "You are quite right, Mr. Hall," said Julia, "my secret will keep very well until to-morrow." "What a wretch he is!" thought Anne, tapping her tiny foot impatiently on the ground; "Isabella will have finished that song soon, and then it will be too late. How tiresome I cannot get rid of him, when every moment is so precious." "Mr. Hall," said she aloud, "If Julia's secret will keep, mine will not; and since you are determined to remain here, why you must be a sharer in it; there is no help for it." "By all means," replied he, coolly, "I am all attention." "You will only hear part of it; but men are so curious, I dare say you will soon ferret out the rest. Can I trust you?" "Of course. It is only the fair sex that are not to be trusted." "I have no time to quarrel with you, or I would resent such a rude speech. Now will you attend, please. I am going to ask you to help me--that is if you will." "Certainly I will. I am all attention." "I am desirous of leaving the room without Miss Strickland's knowledge; can you help me to manage it?" "Is that all? You shall see." He went over to where Frances still stood by the piano; with huge, ungainly strides, as though a newly ploughed field was under his feet, instead of the soft velvet carpet. "What an awkward bear he is!" said Anne to her sister, as she watched him; "I shall give him a hint to get drilled, or become a volunteer parson, he would be sure to shoot himself the very first time he handled a rifle; do only look at him Mag, he is like a large tub rolling along." "Do not abuse him Anne, see how quickly he has done what you wished; I am sure he deserves praise for that."