“What would I not give for a friend who would grow so enthusiastic about me!” “Are you so sure you 'd deserve it?” “If I did, there would be no merit in the praise. Credit means trust for what one may or may not have.” “Well, I am speaking of Tony as I know him; and, true to the adage, there he is, coming down the hill. Pull up, George.” “Mr. Butler's making me a sign, ma'am, not to stop till I reach the top of the hill.” The moment after, the spanking team stood champing their bits and tossing their manes on the crest of the ridge. “Come here, Tony, and be scolded!” cried Mrs. Trafford; while the young fellow, instead of approaching the carriage, busied himself about the horses. “Wait a moment till I let down their heads. How could you have suffered them to come up the long hill with the bearing-reins on, Alice?” cried he. “So, then, it is I that am to have the scolding,” said she, in a whisper; then added aloud, “Come here and beg pardon. I 'm not sure you 'll get it, for your shameful desertion of us. Where have you been, sir? and why have not you reported yourself on your return?” Tony came up to the side of the carriage with an attempt at swagger that only increased his own confusion, and made him blush deeply. No sooner, however, had he seen Maitland, of whose presence up to that he had been ignorant, than he grew pale, and had to steady himself by catching hold of the door. “I see you are ashamed,” said she, “but I 'll keep you over for sentence. Meanwhile, let me present you to Mr. Maitland.” “I know him,” said Tony, gulping out the words. “Yes,” chimed in Maitland, “we made acquaintance yesterday; and if Mr. Butler be but of my mind, it will not be a mere passing knowledge we shall have of each other.” “Get in, Tony, and come a mile or two with us. You know all the short cuts in the mountains, and can get back easily.” “There's the short cut I mean to take now,” said Tony, sternly, as he pointed to a path that led down to the seashore. “I am going home.” “Yes, sir,” resumed she, with a well-feigned air of severity; “but mine is a command.” “I have left the service,--I have taken my discharge,” said he, with a forced laugh. “At least, you ought to quit with honor,--not as a deserter,” said she, softly but sadly. “Perhaps he could not trust his resolution, if he were to see again the old flag he had served under,” said Maitland. “Who made you the exponent of what I felt, sir?” said he, savagely. “I don't remember that in our one single conversation we touched on these things.” “Tony!” cried Alice, in a low voice, full of deep feeling and sorrow,--“Tony!”