a native of the north country, and some of the south; some say--'

'Well, Mr. Fergus, I'll tell you. I'm an Englishwoman--and I don't see
why any one should doubt it--and I was born in the country, neither in
the extreme north nor south of our happy isle; and in the country I have
chiefly passed my life, and now I hope you are satisfied; for I am not
disposed to answer any more questions at present.'

'Except this--'

'No, not one more!' laughed she, and, instantly quitting her seat, she
sought refuge at the window by which I was seated, and, in very
desperation, to escape my brother's persecutions, endeavoured to draw me
into conversation.

'Mr. Markham,' said she, her rapid utterance and heightened colour too
plainly evincing her disquietude, 'have you forgotten the fine sea-view
we were speaking of some time ago? I think I must trouble you, now, to
tell me the nearest way to it; for if this beautiful weather continue, I
shall, perhaps, be able to walk there, and take my sketch; I have
exhausted every other subject for painting; and I long to see it.'

I was about to comply with her request, but Rose would not suffer me to
proceed.

'Oh, don't tell her, Gilbert!' cried she; 'she shall go with us. It's --
Bay you are thinking about, I suppose, Mrs. Graham? It is a very long
walk, too far for you, and out of the question for Arthur. But we were
thinking about making a picnic to see it some fine day; and, if you will
wait till the settled fine weather comes, I'm sure we shall all be
delighted to have you amongst us.'

Poor Mrs. Graham looked dismayed, and attempted to make excuses, but
Rose, either compassionating her lonely life, or anxious to cultivate her
acquaintance, was determined to have her; and every objection was
overruled. She was told it would only be a small party, and all friends,
and that the best view of all was from -- Cliffs, full five miles
distant.

'Just a nice walk for the gentlemen,' continued Rose; 'but the ladies
will drive and walk by turns; for we shall have our pony-carriage, which
will be plenty large enough to contain little Arthur and three ladies,
together with your sketching apparatus, and our provisions.'

So the proposal was finally acceded to; and, after some further
discussion respecting the time and manner of the projected excursion, we
rose, and took our leave.

But this was only March: a cold, wet April, and two weeks of May passed
over before we could venture fo