Horace North was dubious. A slight puff upon his vane would have sent it in either direction, and it seemed as if the decisive puff came just then in the shape of something as light as air. For there was the sound of hoofs; and directly after, looking exceedingly handsome in her tightly-fitting riding-habit and natty hat, Leo Salis passed on her pretty mare. She caught sight of him, and returned a coquettish nod and smile to his low bow, but did not draw rein, though she must have seen his intention to hurry down to the gate; cantering gently on, as charming a specimen of early womanhood as ever rode gracefully upon a well-bred mare. "By George! that settles it," said the doctor. "Where's the meet?" He hurried in, snatched up the county paper, and found that it was at Fir Tree Hill, four miles beyond the Hall. "The very thing," he cried. "I'll just get on my boots, and walk over to the Hall, get my mount, and go on. No, I won't; I'll drive." He rang the bell, and Mrs Milt--a very severe-looking, handsome, elderly lady--in the whitest of caps, bibs, and tuckers, appeared frowning, as if still charged with the remaining clouds of the late storm. "Tell Dick to put the horse in the chaise." Mrs Milt tightened her lips, and made parallel lines in her forehead, but did not stir. "Well?" said the doctor. "Well?" said Mrs Milt. "Did you hear what I said?" "Perfectly," said Mrs Milt. "Then, why don't you do it? And for Heaven's sake, my dear Mrs Milt, let's have no more of this petty squabbling. Discharge cook; have a fresh house-maid; paper and clean up, and do whatever you please, but don't bother me." "It is not my wish to bother you, Dr North," said the lady austerely, and with considerable emphasis on the word, "bother." "Very well, then, let's have peace. Such a scene as we had this morning interferes with my studies. Now, go and tell him to put to the horse." "Will you be good enough to tell me how, Dr North?" "What do you mean?" "You sent your man in that chaise to fetch some drugs from King's Hampton." "Hah! so I did. He ought to be back by now. Yes; there are wheels." "The carrier," said Mrs Milt. "Pish! of course. Never mind, I'll walk. There's something else coming," he said, listening. "Yes; that's the chaise. Go and tell Dick not to take out the horse, but to come round here." "He's coming round," said Mrs Milt, going to the window; "and there's a gentleman with him." The doctor looked up hastily, and frowned, as he caught sight of a dark, sleek-looking personage, about to descend from the chaise; while, as Mrs Milt went to open the door, Horace North exclaimed to himself: "Now, why in the world is it that Nature will set one against one's relations, and above all against Cousin Thompson, for--" "Ah! my dear Horace, this was very good and thoughtful of you," exclaimed the object of his thoughts, entering the room with extended hands.