d speculation. You know what poor
John has gone through, though there was no inferiority there. Think what
you would have to bear for the sake, perhaps, of a pretty face, but of a
person incapable of being a companion or comfort, and whom you would be
ashamed to see beside your own family. Or, supposing your own affections
untouched, what right have you to trifle with the feelings of a poor
girl, and raise expectations you cannot and ought not to fulfil? You are
too kind, when once you reflect, to inflict such pain, you, who cannot
help being loved. Come away while it is time; come home, and have the
merit of self-sacrifice. If your fancy is smitten, it will recover
in its proper sphere. If it costs you pain, you know to whom you have
always hitherto turned in your vexations. Dear Arthur, do not ruin
yourself; only come back to me. Write at once; I cannot bear the
suspense.

'Your most affectionate sister,

'THEODORA A. MARTINDALE.'

She made two copies of this letter; one she directed to 'The Hon. Arthur
Martindale, Grenadier Guards, Winchester;' the other, 'Post-Office,
Wrangerton.' In rather more than a week she was answered:--

'My Dear Theodora,--You judged rightly that I am no man to trifle, or to
raise expectations which I did not mean to fulfil. My wife and I are at
Matlock for a few days before joining at Winchester.

'Your affectionate brother,

'ARTHUR N. MARTINDALE,'

CHAPTER 2

She's less of a bride than a bairn,
She's ta'en like a colt from the heather,
With sense and discretion to learn.

A chiel maun be patient and steady
That yokes with a mate in her teens.
Woo'd and Married and A'

JOANNA BAILLIE

A gentleman stood waiting at the door of a house not far from the
Winchester barracks.

'Is my brother at home, James?' as the servant gave a start of surprise
and recognition.

'No, sir; he is not in the house, but Mrs.--; will you walk in? I hope I
see you better, sir.'

'Much better, thank you. Did you say Mrs. Martindale was at home?'

'Yes, sir; Mr. Arthur will soon be here. Won't you walk in?'

'Is she in the drawing-room?'

'No, I do not think so, sir. She went up-stairs when she came in.'

'Very well. I'll send up my card,' said he, entering, and the man as he
took it, said, with emphasis, and a pleading look, 'She is a very nice
young lady, sir,' then opened a room door.

He suddenly announced,