A look of triumph came into the face of Harold as she addressed her remarks mostly to him, and seemed oblivious of the presence of Thomas. This, however, faded away when she passed a small basket of maple sugar to his rival. Clouds and sunshine alternated in the faces of the jealous suitors, each of whom had made a solemn resolve to remain until after the other should withdraw. The embarrassment of the situation was relieved only when the great old-fashioned clock struck one, and Abbie, with extended hand, advanced to Mr. Brigham and said: "May I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you sometime to-morrow? and you, too, Mr. Wrenford," she added, as the two bowed themselves out of the door. The progress of the suits of the rival claimants for Abbie's affections had been watched with deep interest by the villagers; in fact, it was an open secret that betting had taken place among them on the chances of Harold Wrenford and Thomas Brigham. Abbie, who in every other matter held such decided opinions, was unable to come to a decision in this. At times, after long nights of reflection, she was disposed to accept Harold; and then, again, after other wakeful nights, she felt her inclinations turning towards Thomas. But now things had come to a crisis. All night she tossed restlessly on her pillow, indecision and suspense depriving her of rest and peace, but as the first rays of dawn began to gild the eastern sky Abbie had resolved that she would accept the one who would come first. At an early hour Mr. Wrenford called, and after a prolonged interview, Abbie declared to the family circle her engagement to the young Englishman. The announcement was received in silence. Tears trickled slowly down the mother's face, while the father's was radiant with satisfaction. It was subsequently decided to postpone the marriage indefinitely, out of deference to the wishes of the mother and brothers. CHAPTER XIV. _MACHECAWA SCALPS THE "EENGLISHMAN."_ 1815. Rug had been at "The Landing" for several hours awaiting the arrival of the _Colombo_, which was unusually late. His father had written from Quebec to have someone meet him and Abbie with a double-seated waggon on that evening. The night was extremely dark. A high wind was blowing from the west when the lights of the boat were seen as it rounded the headland on its way to the wharf. "We have two trunks," said the Chief, after a mutual exchange of greetings. "You had better make them secure to the rack with ropes, for we could ill afford to lose the small one." "Or the large one either," added Abbie, "for it contains a number of very valuable purchases." "Abbie contemplates beginning housekeeping soon," said the Chief, as they drove off together.