I was sorry to meet even her at such a moment, great as the luxury would have been on an ordinary occasion. She tripped lightly down the walk to the landing-steps; and certainly she never looked prettier and more graceful than on that pleasant summer morning, with the fresh dew, as it were, glowing upon her cheeks. “Good morning, Mr. Wolf,” she continued, as, out of breath with the haste she had made, she presented herself before me. “That beautiful yacht!” she exclaimed, as she glanced at the elegant craft which bore her name. “Isn’t she a sylph!” “She is all she seems to be,” I replied, with becoming enthusiasm, “and I think she is worthy of her name.” “How very gallant you are, Mr. Wolf!” she pouted. “I have been sailing her all night, and I ought to speak well of her.” “Father said he had sent you to Hitaca after her; but we did not expect to see you till this afternoon. I want to go on board of her. I was so surprised when I first saw her this morning!” It was very awkward, but I could not help myself. I had a mission to perform which must be done at once, or not at all. I could not disregard her wishes, and I assisted her into the boat. “I have been up to the Horse Shoe, where the students are encamped, since I returned from Hitaca,” I continued, as I seated myself at the oars. “I suppose they are having a nice time up there,” she replied. “I’m afraid not;” and as briefly as I could, I told her the situation of affairs between the contending forces. As I hoped and expected of one of her gentle nature, she was shocked and alarmed at the prospect of a fight, especially as her brother was foremost in the strife. “Skotchley has gone up to call your father, and I suppose he will interfere,” I added. “I hope he will;” but the manner in which she spoke seemed to indicate that she entertained the same doubt which had disturbed my calculation. “I was thinking of doing something more,” I replied, rather doubtfully. “What, Mr. Wolf?” I related to her my adventure with Colonel Wimpleton during the night, and assured her that the great man of Centreport was very thankful to me for the service I had rendered him. “I was going over to see him,” I added. “To see Colonel Wimpleton!” she exclaimed, as though she thought such a step would be the sum of all abominations, for even she could not wholly escape the pestilent rivalry that existed between the two sides. “I am not afraid of him. If I can induce him to compel the students from his side to leave the Horse Shoe, the fight will be avoided.” “I am sorry you said anything to me about it, for father will not let you speak to Colonel Wimpleton about the matter. But, Mr. Wolf, you do as you think best, and I will not say a word.”