ts in a few days; and
however my father might have objected to my starting with strangers, I
am nearly sure he will agree to the plan you so kindly propose."

Mr Strelley's offer was duly placed before Mr Deane.

"If Jack remains much longer idle at home, he will be getting into
mischief, if he has not got into it already," he thought to himself. "I
have no reason to be ashamed of my boy, and perhaps it will be my own
fault if I have cause to be at any future time. Cousin Nat is a man of
judgment, and he asserts always that there is more in Jack than any of
us suppose; and that if we allow him to follow the bent of his own
inclinations, he will be sure to work his way up in the world, even
though we let him begin at the bottom of the ladder. Some people want
help, and don't get on well without it; others are all the better for
being left alone, and help only makes them idle."

The assurance which Jack received that he would be allowed at length to
carry out his much-cherished plan, contributed not a little to his
restoration, and the burns on his hands and legs healed more rapidly
than Cousin Nat had predicted.

Squire Harwood and his daughter had returned to the Grange the day after
the occurrence which has been narrated; and as soon as Jack was able to
leave the house, although not fit for a journey, he expressed his
intention of riding over to pay a farewell visit to his friends. Often
when left in solitude he had conjured up a vision of the sweet
countenance of Alethea, and he could not help longing once more to see
the reality. His proposal met with every encouragement from his family.

"If any body can civilise our boy Jack, Miss Harwood can," observed Mrs
Deane to her husband.

"I doubt whether she will think it worth while to make the attempt,"
observed Mr Deane. "Jack is in no way suited to her, whatever he may
flatter himself is the case. However, let the lad go; he can come to no
harm, at all events; and Mistress Alethea may give him a taste for
better society than he seems to have a fancy for."

CHAPTER FIVE.

JACK'S VISIT TO HARWOOD GRANGE--IS URGED TO ASSIST IN THE JACOBITE PLOT.

Jack accordingly donned his best suit, and his sister Polly put his
hair, which had been considerably singed by the fire, in as good order
as it was capable of. His left hand was still in a sling, but he had no
difficulty in mounting his horse with the aid of his right, and managing
him as well as most peopl