on amicably enough, the Squire complimenting me much on my
prowess, and not half so shy as usual--very often the case with a
diffident man when on horseback. We were forced to go very slow, both
our horses being pretty well tired; and to make matters better, we
were caught in a tremendous hailstorm about two miles from home, just
as it was getting dark, and close to the spot where our respective
roads diverged. I could not possibly miss mine, as it was perfectly
straight. Ah! that hailstorm has a deal to answer for. We were forced
to turn through a hand-gate, and take shelter in a friendly wood. What
a ridiculous position, pitch dark, pelting with rain, an elderly
gentleman and a young lady on horseback under a fir tree. The Squire
had been getting more incoherent for some time; I couldn't think what
he was driving at.

"You like our country, Miss Coventry; fine climate, excellent soil,
nice and dry for ladies?"

I willingly subscribed to all these advantages.

"Good neighbourhood," added the Squire; "capital hunting, charming
rides, wonderful scenery for sketching. Do you think you could live in
this part of the world?"

I thought I could if I was to try.

"You expressed your approbation of my house, Miss Coventry," the
Squire proceeded, with his hand on my horse's neck; "do you think--I
mean--should you consider--or rather I should say, is there any
alteration you would suggest--anything in my power--if you would
condescend to ride over any afternoon; may I consider you will so far
favour me?"

I said "I should be delighted, but that it had left off raining, and
it was time for us to get home."

"One word, Miss Coventry," pleaded the Squire with a shaking voice.
"Have I your permission to call upon Lady Horsingham to-morrow?"

I said I thought my aunt would be at home, and expressed my conviction
that she would be delighted to see him, and I wished him good-bye.

"Good-bye, Miss Coventry, good-bye," said the Squire, shaking hands
with a squeeze that crushed my favourite ring into my prettiest
finger; "you have made me _the happiest of men_--good-bye!"

I saw it all in an instant, just as I see it now. The Squire means to
propose for me to-morrow, and he thinks I have accepted him. What
_shall_ I do? _Mrs. Haycock_--Kate Haycock--Catherine Haycock. No, I
can't make it look well, write it how I will; and then, to vow never
to think of any one else; I suppose I mightn't even _speak_ to Frank.
Never, no, nev