eady and worthy young man. I hope he may not
degenerate in his present circumstances and calling, as so many of his
class do. I am glad your father was able to do something for him. These
people ought to be encouraged.' Now you see!" Maimie's tone was quite
triumphant.

"Yes," said Kate! "I do see! These people should be encouraged to make
our timber for us that we may live in ease and luxury, and even to save
us from fire and from blood-thirsty mobs, as occasions may offer, but as
for friendships and that sort of thing--"

"Oh, Kate," burst in Maimie, almost in tears, "you are so very unkind.
You know quite well what I mean."

"Yes, I know quite well; you would not invite Ranald, for instance,
to dine at your house, to meet your Aunt Frank and the Evanses and
the Langfords and the Maitlands," said Kate, spacing her words with
deliberate indignation.

"Well, I would not, if you put it in that way," said Maimie, petulantly,
"and you wouldn't either!"

"I would ask him to meet every Maitland of them if I could," said Kate,
"and it wouldn't hurt them either."

"Oh, you are so peculiar," said Maimie, with a sigh of pity.

"Am I," said Kate; "ask Harry," she continued, as that young man came
into the room.

"No, you needn't mind," said Maimie; "I know well he will just side with
you. He always does."

"How very amiable of me," said Harry; "but what's the particular issue?"

"Ranald," said Kate.

"Then I agree at once. Besides, he is coming to supper next Sunday
evening!"

"Oh, Harry," exclaimed Maimie, in dismay, "on Sunday evening?"

"He can't get off any other night; works all night, I believe, and would
work all Sunday, too, if his principles didn't mercifully interfere. He
will be boss of the concern before summer is over."

"Oh, Harry," said Maimie, in distress, "and I asked Lieutenant De Lacy
and his friend, Mr. Sims, for Sunday evening--"

"Sims," cried Harry; "little cad!"

"I'm sure he's very nice," said Maimie, "and his family--"

"Oh, hold up; don't get on to your ancestor worship," cried Harry,
impatiently. "Anyway, Ranald's coming up Sunday evening."

"Well, it will be very awkward," said Maimie.

"I don't see why," said Kate.

"Oh," cried Harry, scornfully, "he will have on his red flannel shirt
and a silk handkerchief, and his trousers will be in his boots; that's
what Maimie is thinking of!"

"You are very rude, Harry," said Maimie. "You know quite well that
Ranald will not enjoy h