“With respects to your lady, I remain, “Your sincere friend, “E. WILSON.” “Good Heaven! There, what did I tell you, Elsie!” exclaimed Alice, clasping her hands. “My dear mother! my darling mother! never mind. There is one love on earth that shall never fail you. I can have no second mother,” said Elsie, rising and throwing her arms around the lady’s neck. “Magnus, you see that I must go. I must write to-night, to prepare him for my arrival, and to-morrow I must set out myself.” “Oh, no, mother; don’t go! It will be worse than ever now in your old home. Oh, mamma, don’t go! Write—only write. Or if it be indispensable that someone go, Magnus will. Will you not, Magnus?” “I will do whatever your mother wishes.” “Then, dearest Magnus, mail my letter to-night, even late as it is, and prepare to set out with me to-morrow. Yet, no: you must not leave Elsie. Prepare me a way to go alone.” “Dear Mrs. Garnet, dear friend, I implore you not to think of going. I will go myself.” “Magnus, dear, you know that upon some points I can be stubborn. I must go straight to Mount Calm,” said Alice. And despite all arguments and entreaties, she persisted in her resolution. “Then, since you will go, I shall attend you to the end of your journey, and—bring you back—perhaps.” “But, Elsie; you cannot leave her alone and unprotected at home.” “She will not be alone; Hugh will be with her; and for protection, my brave wife can protect herself, if necessary. Pooh! my dear madam, I would leave Elsie here in the heart of the wilderness six months, if needful, without fear or hesitation. She is one in a million, our Elsie. What say you, dear Elsie?” “I say—go with mother if you love me, Magnus. See her safe to her journey’s end, and, if it be possible, bring her safe back to me again.” That same night Alice’s letter was written and mailed. The next morning, at an early hour Alice Garnet set out, under the protection of Dr. Hardcastle, for the East. An hour later, when the Rev. Mr. Sinclair arose and came down to breakfast, Mrs. Hardcastle tendered him the compliments and excuses of his host, informing him that a domestic affair of vital moment called Mrs. Garnet suddenly to Mount Calm, whither Dr. Hardcastle was instantly obliged to attend her. After breakfast the minister, leaving his respects and adieus for the absentees, took leave and proceeded on his journey. CHAPTER XXXIV. WHAT CAME NEXT. Uncomfortable time! why camest thou now To murder—murder our solemnity? _—Shakspere._ It was two days before the appointed wedding day, and General Garnet sat in his library, over his wine, in deep consultation with his lawyer.