ntailed on
Walter, and of poor value in themselves, and it is half the savings of
many years."

The Squire then named a sum, which, however small it may seem to our
reader, was not considered a despicable portion for the daughter of
a small country squire at that day, and was in reality, a generous
sacrifice for one whose whole income was scarcely, at the most, seven
hundred a year. The sum mentioned doubled that now to be lent, and which
was of course a part of it; an equal portion was reserved for Ellinor.

"And to tell you the truth," said the Squire, "you must give me some
little time for the remainder--for not thinking some months ago it would
be so soon wanted, I laid out eighteen hundred pounds, in the purchase
of Winclose Farm, six of which, (the remainder of your share,) I can pay
off at the end of the year; the other twelve, Ellinor's portion, will
remain a mortgage on the farm itself. And between us," added the Squire,
"I do hope that I need be in no hurry respecting her, dear girl. When
Walter returns, I trust matters may be arranged, in a manner, and
through a channel, that would gratify the most cherished wish of my
heart. I am convinced that Ellinor is exactly suited to him; and,
unless he should lose his senses for some one else in the course of his
travels, I trust that he will not be long returned before he will make
the same discovery. I think of writing to him very shortly after your
marriage, and making him promise, at all events, to revisit us at
Christmas. Ah! Eugene, we shall be a happy party, then, I trust. And be
assured, that we shall beat up your quarters, and put your hospitality,
and Madeline's housewifery to the test."

Therewith the good Squire ran on for some minutes in the warmth of his
heart, dilating on the fireside prospects before them, and rallying the
Student on those secluded habits, which he promised him he should no
longer indulge with impunity.

"But it is growing dark," said he, awakening from the theme which had
carried him away, "and by this time Peter and our patrole will be at the
hall. I told them to look up in the evening, in order to appoint their
several duties and stations--let us turn back. Indeed, Aram, I can
assure you, that I, for my own part, have some strong reasons to take
precautions against any attack; for besides the old family plate,
(though that's not much,) I have,--you know the bureau in the parlour to
the left of the hall--well, I have in that bure