so much useless comb?"

The paleness, which had taken possession of the usually cheerful
countenance of Ellen, was hid in a bright glow, that was plainly visible
even at the distance at which she stood. She hesitated a moment, as
if struggling to repress something very like resentment, before she
answered with all her native spirit--

"I know not what right any one has to question me about oaths and
promises, which can only concern her who has made them, if, indeed,
any of the sort you mention have ever been made at all. I shall hold
no further discourse with one who thinks so much of himself, and takes
advice merely of his own feelings."

"Now, old trapper, do you hear that!" said the unsophisticated
bee-hunter, turning abruptly to his aged friend. "The meanest insect
that skims the heavens, when it has got its load, flies straight and
honestly to its nest or hive, according to its kind; but the ways of a
woman's mind are as knotty as a gnarled oak, and more crooked than the
windings of the Mississippi!"

"Nay, nay, child," said the trapper, good-naturedly interfering in
behalf of the offending Paul, "you are to consider that youth is hasty,
and not overgiven to thought. But then a promise is a promise, and
not to be thrown aside and forgotten, like the hoofs and horns of a
buffaloe."

"I thank you for reminding me of my oath," said the still resentful
Ellen, biting her pretty nether lip with vexation; "I might else have
proved forgetful!"

"Ah! female natur' is awakened in her," said the old man, shaking his
head in a manner to show how much he was disappointed in the result;
"but it manifests itself against the true spirit!"

"Ellen!" cried the young stranger, who until now had been an attentive
listener to the parley, "since Ellen is the name by which you are
known--"

"They often add to it another. I am sometimes called by the name of my
father."

"Call her Nelly Wade at once," muttered Paul; "it is her rightful name,
and I care not if she keeps it for ever!"

"Wade, I should have added," continued the youth. "You will acknowledge
that, though bound by no oath myself, I at least have known how to
respect those of others. You are a witness yourself that I have forborne
to utter a single call, while I am certain it could reach those ears
it would gladden so much. Permit me then to ascend the rock, singly;
I promise a perfect indemnity to your kinsman, against any injury his
effects may sustain."

El