But Thurston soon put an end to his sufferings--not in consideration of his feelings, but because the young gentleman could not afford to lose or risk the chance of making one of the party which was to number Marian among its members. Therefore, with a light smile and careless bow, he left the side of Jacquelina and crossed over to Mrs. Waugh, with whom, also, he entered into a gay and bantering conversation, in the course of which Mrs. Waugh mentioned to him their purpose of going to Washington for a month or two. It was then that, with an air of impromptu, Thurston informed her of his own contemplated journey and voyage, and of his intention to go to Baltimore by way of Washington. "And when do you leave here?" asked Mrs. Waugh. "I thought of starting on Wednesday morning." "The very day that we shall set out--why can't we travel in company?" asked Henrietta, socially. "I should be charmed, indeed--delighted! And nothing shall prevent me having that honor and pleasure, if Mrs. Waugh will permit my attendance." "Why, my dear Thurston, to be sure I will--but don't waste fine speeches on your uncle's old wife. How do you travel?" "As far as Washington I shall go on horseback, with a mounted groom to bring back the horses, when I proceed on my journey by stage to Baltimore." "On horseback! Now that is excellent--that is really providential, as it falls out--for here is my Hebe, whom I have coaxed to be of the party, and who will have to perform the journey also on horseback, and you will make an admirable cavalier for her!" Thurston turned and bowed to Marian, and expressed, in courtly terms, the honor she would confer, and the pleasure she would give, in permitting him to serve her. And no one, to have seen him, would have dreamed that the subject had ever before been mentioned between them. Marian blushed and smiled, and expressing her thanks, accepted his offered escort. These preliminaries being settled, Thurston soon after arose and took leave. Marian remained some time longer to arrange some little preparatory matters with Mrs. Waugh, and then bade them good-by, and hastened homeward. But she saw Thurston walking his horse up and down the forest-path, and impatiently waiting for her. * * * * * Dr. Grimshaw was very much dissatisfied; and no sooner had Marian left the home, and left him alone with Mrs. Waugh and Jacquelina, than he turned to the elder lady, and said, with some asperity: "I think it would have been well, Mrs. Waugh, if you had consulted the other members of your party before making so important an addition to it." "And I think it would be better, Dr. Grimshaw, if you would occupy your valuable time and attention with affairs that fall more immediately within your own province," said Henrietta, loftily, as she would sometimes speak.