"That I did; an' I tauld her that it was a pleasure to cook for the colonel; for though she spoke of the major, it was aye _you_ she thocht on." "Oh, nonsense!" returned Wilton, good-humoredly, and he left the eloquent Mrs. McKollop, to join the moody Moncrief, with whom he exchanged but few remarks, till dinner thawed them. The evening passed much as usual, but neither mentioned their guest--a fact by no means indicating that she was forgotten by either. CHAPTER VI. Wilton was true to his intention, and rode over the next day to make the promised inquiry, when he had the pleasure of spending half an hour with Donald, but Ella Rivers never appeared. The boy was in one of his better moods, although that was a poor consolation. "I thought Ella was never coming back yesterday," he said, in his plaintive, querulous voice. "I could not make out whether she had been lost in the snow, or whether your cousin, that Mr. St. George Wilton, had run away with her. Oh! I had such a miserable day!--Miss Walker fussing in and out, and no one able to do anything for me! Where did you pick up Ella?" "On that piece of common half-way to Monkscleugh; and it is very fortunate I did so, or perhaps you might have been obliged to do without her for some time longer. I fear she would have lost her way altogether." "Oh, she knows the country, and has plenty of pluck." "Still, she might have been wandering about for hours, and I fancy she is not over strong." "She is well enough! Every one is well enough but me!" "I suppose," said Wilton, to change the subject, "the rest of your party return to-morrow?" "I am afraid they do! I wish they would stay away! They have taken me up disgustingly since _you_ came to see me. I was much happier alone with Ella! I don't mind _your_ coming--you are not a humbug; but I hate Helen, she is so insolent; and that cousin of yours is detestable. He is so conceited--so ready to make allowance for everyone. And then he always speaks Italian to Ella, and worries her; I know he does, though she will not tell me what he says." The boy's words struck an extraordinary pang to Wilton's heart. Had Ella met this diplomatic sprig in Italy? Had he the enormous advantage of having known her and her father in their old free wandering days? If so, why had she not mentioned him? The irrepressible answer to this sprang up with the query--whatever her antecedents, Ella spoke out of the depths of a true soul. "Well," exclaimed Wilton, while these thoughts revolved themselves, "if you do not like him, do not let him come in here. But I thought he was a universal genius, and an utterly fascinating fellow!" "The women think so," returned young Fergusson, with an air of superior wisdom, "but I think him a nuisance. Will you ring the bell, Colonel Wilton?" "What has become of Miss Rivers?" to the servant, who quickly appeared. "Tell her to come here."