Certainly I do; but, Elliot, you should not have made me say so in
Miss Florence's presence. You forget that she is also a young lady."

"No, I don't, uncle, and I ask her pardon if I was rude; but I heard
you say Miss Mary was an angel, and though I like Miss Florence very
much indeed, I can't help thinking so too."

Dr. Bryant's cheek flushed, and he glanced quickly at Mary. Mr. and
Mrs. Carlton and Florence laughed good-naturedly; and laying his hand
on the boy's head, Frank said:

"My very promising nephew, you will never be accused of want of candor
if you grow up in your present spirit."

Mary drew the child to her, and whispered in his ear:

"Your uncle meant that I should soon be in Heaven, Elliot; and I hope
it will not be very long before I am an angel. Don't you see how thin
and pale I am?"

Elliot's eyes filled, as he looked earnestly at the gentle girl, so
wasted of late, and throwing his arms about her neck, he hid his face
on her shoulder, and murmured:

"Oh! you must not go from us--we can't spare you even to God! Why
does he want to take you? He has plenty of angels already around him!
Mother and uncle and I had almost as soon die ourselves as see you go
away forever."

None heard what passed between them; but Mrs. Carlton saw a look
of pain on Mary's pure white brow, and gently drawing her son away,
changed the conversation by asking if it would not be better for Mary
to ride awhile in the wagon.

"I am afraid she would find the jolting rather too much for her.
However, it will answer as a change, and by driving myself, I can
avoid many inequalities. So, Miss Irving, make up your mind to
relinquish your babicca at least for to-day."

"You are very kind, Dr. Bryant, but I greatly prefer your riding as
usual. Indeed you need not look so incredulous. I won't allow you to
make such a sacrifice."

"I was not aware that I was making any sacrifice," he coldly answered,
and turned away.

Mary's lip quivered with internal pain, but she offered no further
opposition.

All was in readiness for moving on. Dr. Bryant stood arranging
Florence's bridle, and bantering her on her inattention to the reins.
She laughed in her turn.

"Indeed, Doctor, don't you think me a capital horse-woman? you will
certainly admit it, after being vanquished in a race?"

"Really, Miss Florence, I rather think the credit due to your fine
horse than to your skill as a rider.

"Ah, incorrigible as usual, I see, Doctor!