A couple of days passed and no word was said about the Leslies. On the morning of the third day he determined to go to Shandy Hall. Hitherto he had never been there without staying for the night; but on this occasion he made up his mind to return the same day. “It would not be civil of me not to go there,” he said to his aunt. “Certainly not,” she replied, forbearing to press the matter further. “But why make such a terrible hard day’s work of it?” “Oh, I shall go down in the cool, before breakfast; and then I need not have the bother of taking a bag.” And in this way he started. Miss Jack said nothing further; but she longed in her heart that she might be at Marian’s elbow unseen during the visit. He found them all at breakfast, and the first to welcome him at the hall door was Marian. “Oh, Mr. Cumming, we are so glad to see you;” and she looked into his eyes with a way she had, that was enough to make a man’s heart wild. But she not call him Maurice now. Miss Jack had spoken to her sister, Mrs. Leslie, as well as to Mr. Leslie, about this marriage scheme. “Just let them alone,” was Mrs. Leslie’s advice. “You can’t alter Marian by lecturing her. If they really love each other they’ll come together; and if they don’t, why then they’d better not.” “And you really mean that you’re going back to Spanish Town to-day?” said Mrs. Leslie to her visitor. “I’m afraid I must. Indeed I haven’t brought my things with me.” And then he again caught Marian’s eye, and began to wish that his resolution had not been so sternly made. “I suppose you are so fond of that House of Assembly,” said Marian, “that you cannot tear yourself away for more than one day. You’ll not be able, I suppose, to find time to come to our picnic next week?” Maurice said he feared that he should not have time to go to a picnic. “Oh, nonsense,” said Fanny—one of the younger girls—“you must come. We can’t do without him, can we?” “Marian has got your name down the first on the list of the gentlemen,” said another. “Yes; and Captain Ewing’s second,” said Bell, the youngest. “I’m afraid I must induce your sister to alter her list,” said Maurice, in his sternest manner. “I cannot manage to go, and I’m sure she will not miss me.” Marion looked at the little girl who had so unfortunately mentioned the warrior’s name, and the little girl knew that she had sinned. “Oh, we cannot possibly do without you; can we, Marian?” said Fanny. “It’s to be at Bingley’s Dell, and we’ve got a bed for you at Newcastle; quite near, you know.” “And another for—” began Bell, but she stopped herself. “Go away to your lessons, Bell,” said Marion. “You know how angry mamma will be at your staying here all the morning;” and poor Bell with a sorrowful look left the room.