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"Oh Mr Hunter, Marjory tells me that she intends to ride on her bicycledown to Aberdeen fro on Friday I ao on by train so that I shallbe in before her, though I a such a journey by herself We have no gentlee of her, if you happenedto be anywhere about there I know I can trust you to take care of her,you have been so good to her, and to me, already"

My heart leaped Here was an unexpected chance co himself to be my friend already

"Be quite assured," I said as calladto be of the least service And indeed it will just suit o to Braeo just as o unless Miss Anita wishes it I could not presume to thrust myselfupon her"

"Oh that is all right!" she answered quickly, so quickly that I took itthat she had already considered the matter and was satisfied about it"Marjory will not object" Just then the young lady entered the roo to her said:

"I have asked Mr Hunter my dear to ride doith you from Braeoing there he will bevery happy if you ask him" She smiled as she said:

"Oh since you asked him and he had said yes I need not ask hilad!" I bowed When Mrs Jack went out, Marjory turningto me said:

"When did you plan to go to Braemar?"

"When Mrs Jack told " I answered boldly

"Oh! I didn't ht blush "but at what timeyou were to be there" To which I said:

"That will be just to suit your convenience Will you write and leta letter, and ser

As we strolled up the road, waiting for the dog-cart to be got ready,she said to me:

"Now you can be a good cos, I was a good comrade So I aood coood or ill, that time must be kept apart"

"Agreed!" I said and felt a secret exultation as we joined Mrs JackBefore they started Marjory said:

"Mrs Jack I also have asked Mr Hunter to coht it would please him if we both asked him, since he isso diffident and unimpulsive!"

With a sood-bye and waved it with her whip as theystarted