Page 148 (1/2)

"The pheasant in the falcon's claw,

He scarce will yield, to please a daw"--SCOTT

Early in the afternoon of a warm October day, the brothers arrived at

Avomnouth, and ten minutes after both were upon the lawn at Myrtlewood,

where croquet was still in progress Shouts of delight greeted the

Colonel, and very gracefully did Bessie Keith co his recent ward, the daughter of his

friend A reassuring smile and monosyllable had scarcely tioverness before a flood of tidings was poured

on hied to be

uest, and poor Mr

Touchett waited a little aloof, ha his own boot with hishiame, and vociferated an inquiry whether the

Colonel knew croquet Yes, he had several times played with his cousins

in Scotland "Then," insisted Conrade, "hedevoured, and how surprised she would be at being

so helped on!"

"Not now, not to-day," he answered "I o to your sister, Ailie?

Yes, boys, you must close up your ranks without me"

"Then please," entreated Hubert, "take hirosser of their mother

"Do you find elder brothers so easily disposed of, Hubert?" said the

Colonel "Do you take Conrade ahen you please?"

"I should punch him," returned Francis