ho was always ready for any
important duty, a party was proposed to visit the woods to procure
boughs for greening the grand hall and drawing-room. Foremost was
Johnnie Douglas, master of ceremonies, whose presence on the occasion
was indispensable; so said Johnnie, throwing a mischievous glance at
Lady Rosamond as a reminder of his services on a former expedition. The
rising color on his victim's face brought a reprimand from Mary Douglas.

"Don't be of such importance, Johnnie, there are plenty of gentlemen at
our command."

"Ha, ha, ha," roared the young gentleman in undisguised and unsuppressed
fits of laughter.

"Miss Mary, don't be of too much importance; there may not be so many
gentlemen at your command as you reckon on," said Johnnie, bent on
following up his argument; "Mr. Howe is engaged, Mr. Trevelyan goes on
parade this morning, Charles is away; now where are the reserves?
Answer--Fred, and your humble servant."

"Well, Johnnie, you are holding your ground manfully," exclaimed Sir
Howard, smiling as he passed through the group in the lower hall, where
they still sat discussing the grounds of Johnnie's superiority.

Decision turning in favor of the champion, the party set off--boys,
ladies, and children--forming a pretty sight. Lady Douglas stood on the
balcony waving approval and beaming with happy smiles.

The shouts of Master Johnnie, laughter of the ladies, and romping of the
children, kept the woods busy in the constant repetition of echoes on
every side.

"Oh, Lady Rosamond," cried the hero of the expedition, eager to maintain
his position, "here is the brook, but where is the water to receive some
one with another cooling reception, and where is Mr. Trevelyan with his
gallant service and kind sympathy?--Not hinting of the hasty retreat of
your valuable pioneer!"

Mary Douglas, detecting a shade passing over Lady Rosamond's brow, came
to the rescue with another mild reprimand upon the incorrigible Johnnie.
"I am afraid, sir, that you take the opportunity of reminding Lady
Rosamond of your former importance without due regard to her feelings,
which, you are aware, is not very gentlemanly."

"If your ladyship is offended," said the mischievous but generous and
manly Johnnie, turning to Lady Rosamond, "I beg your pardon in the most
humble manner, feeling deeply sorry."

"Lady Rosamond you really do not think I would consciously give you
annoyance," said master Johnnie, throwing down the bough