PEECH.

Both Katie and her frock got safely over the river on Davie's raft,
which was a very primitive affair. They had a field or two to cross
from the landing-place, and at the opening made in the fence for the
people from the village to pass through on their way to the Grove, she
found the squire and Miss Elizabeth. They were sitting in Miss
Elizabeth's low carriage, at a loss what to do, because they had been
told that the committee had decided that no carriage was to be admitted
within the grounds, and Miss Elizabeth did not like to set rules and
regulations at defiance, but neither did she like that her father should
have to walk up the hill to the Grove. In this dilemma she appealed to
Davie.

"Oh, never mind the committee, Miss Elizabeth. Go ahead up the hill;
and, besides, I'm on that committee, and I'll give you a pass," said
Davie, appreciating the situation.

Miss Elizabeth laughed, and so did Katie; but when Miss Elizabeth
proposed that he should take her place in the carriage and drive her
father up to the stand where he was to sit, Katie laughed more than the
occasion required, Davie thought. Of course he could not refuse, and
yielded with a good grace.

The field was none of the smallest, and the carriage moved slowly, so
that Elizabeth and Katie reached the neighbourhood of the speakers'
stand almost as soon as the squire. They were in time to see Clifton
help his father up the steps to his place on the stand, where a good
many other gentlemen were seated. Then they saw him hand into the
carriage a very pretty young lady, a stranger, and drive away with her.
Davie looked after them with a grimace.

"That is cool! Holts indeed."

"I hope my brother is not committing an indiscretion," said Miss
Elizabeth gravely.

"Oh, I guess she likes it. And he is one of the managers; he may do as
he likes."

"I am not so sure of that," said Miss Elizabeth.

"But who is she?" asked Katie; "I think she is the prettiest girl I ever
saw--and such a pretty dress!"

"Yes, she is very pretty. She is Miss Langden. She and her father came
last night. They are staying at my brother's. They are friends of Mr
Maxwell's, I hope Clifton has not done a foolish thing in taking her
away."

The little carriage was making slow progress round the grounds, with
many eyes fixed upon it, and certainly the handsome young couple sitting
in it were a pleasant sight to see. Many a remark was passed upon them
by fri