ttitude as possible. While these added to the adornment of the room, they
likewise served to increase Mrs. Morris' terror, and she could not get
over the idea that they might "jump at her, for they always looked just
ready to do it."

These, among other things, gave Mrs. Morris a particular aversion to the
owner of the articles, for it was no trifling thing to keep this room well
dusted and in proper order, with one's body in a quiver of fright all the
time, not knowing from what direction she might be assailed.

But the treasure that took Lancy's eyes directly he entered the room was
the display of fishing-rods that hung on the opposite wall, and he stepped
up at once to examine them.

"That is a fine rod you have there," he remarked to Maxwell.

"Yes, rather; fishing is my favorite sport. I have caught a five-pounder
with this light one," and in the discussion of flies, reels, etc., they
were fast forgetting that they were utter strangers but two short hours
ago.

Presently Maxwell asked, as if it had just occurred to him:

"Who is this young friend of yours, this Miss Sherwood? She is very
amusing; quite an original, is she not?"

"Well, she is something different from the average young lady, if that is
what you mean. She is an American."

"Ah! I thought as much; and your _sister's_ particular friend, is she?"
giving a sly look at Lancy.

"Yes," not heeding the look, but aware of the hint conveyed in the words.
"My sister's health is not good, and Miss Sherwood accompanies her to
Charlottetown, as she was not willing to go alone. They have been very
intimate ever since Miss Sherwood moved to Halifax. I am sure they are both
well pleased that we did not stay at the hotel, seeing that through your
kindness we have secured such comfortable quarters here."

"Don't mention it! that appeal to the winds would have moved the hardest
heart. I guess she got a start when I spoke from the window. Ha, ha! I
fancy I see her yet. She would make a fine actress."

"You had better not make that remark to the lady in question. She would not
consider it a compliment, I can tell you," said Lancy.

"No? Then what sort of a speech would your Miss Sherwood call
complimentary?"

"Better try and find out for yourself," said Lancy, smiling. "It has been
too hard a thing for me to discover for myself to give it away."

A few minutes later, hearing the voices of the young ladies in conversation
with Mrs. Gleason downstairs, the y