Indeed, the storm had been one of those quick and violent outbursts of the sky, which seem to empty the clouds instantly almost, as though the pent up waters were shut in by a floodgate, shattered by the thunder and the lightning. Soon, only a few heavy drops continued to fall, and the setting sun, bursting in splendor from the western clouds, poised its red ball of fire upon the horizon, and poured a flood of crimson on the dancing streamlets, the glittering grass, and drenched foliage of the hill-side. Redbud rose, smiling. "I think we can go now," she said, "I am afraid to stay any longer--my clothes are very wet, and I have not health enough to risk losing any." With which the girl, with another smile, tied the ribbon of her chip hat under her chin, and looked at Verty. That gentleman rose. "I wish my coat had been thicker," he said, "but I can't help it. Yes, yes, Redbud, indeed we must get back. It would'nt do for you to get sick." "And me, sir!" said Fanny. "You?" said Verty, smiling. "Yes, sir; I suppose it would do for me?" "I don't know." "Hum!" "I can tell you, dear," said Ralph, "and I assure you the thing would not answer under any circumstances. Come, let us follow Miss Redbud." They all thanked the smiling old dame, and issuing from the cottage, took their way through the sparkling fields and along the wet paths toward home again. They reached the Bower of Nature just at twilight, and entering through the garden were about to pass in, when they were arrested by a spectacle on the rear portico, which brought a smile to every lip. Mr. Jinks was on his knees before Miss Sallianna there. CHAPTER XLII. HOW MR. JINKS REQUESTED RALPH TO HOLD HIM. Our last view of Mr. Jinks was at Bousch's tavern, when, mounting in a manner peculiar to himself behind Ralph, the warlike gentleman set out to take revenge. He had ridden thus almost to the Bower of Nature; but on reaching the belt of willows at the foot of the hill, requested to be placed upon the earth, in order to make his toilet, to prepare himself for the coming interview, and for other reasons. Ralph had laughed, and complied. Mr. Jinks had seated himself upon a bank by the little stream--the same which we have seen the picnic party cross higher up--upon a log, and then drawing from his pocket a small mirror, he had proceeded to make his toilet. This ceremony consisted in a scrupulous arrangement of his artificial locks--a cultivation of the warlike and chivalrous expression of countenance--and a general review of the state of his wardrobe. He soon finished these ceremonies, and then continued his way toward the Bower of Nature. He arrived just as Ralph had proposed the excursion to the young girls--consequently, some moments after the young fellow's interview with Miss Sallianna--and entered with the air of a conqueror and a master.