as her father has
brought you a letter you might do so much."

"Certainly, sir, -- I am not tired."

"I don't want anybody. I'm not in the least afraid, Mr.
Glanbally," said the little lady rather impatiently, and still
not glancing at her promised escort.

"But it's better, Miss Elizabeth" --

"No sir, it isn't."

"Your father will like it better, I know. This is Mr. Landholm
-- the brother of the Mr. Landholm you used to see last summer,
-- you remember."

Elizabeth looked at her guard, as if she had no mind to
remember anybody of the name, and without more ado left the
room. Winthrop understanding that he was to follow, did so,
and with some difficulty brought himself up alongside of the
little lady, for she had not tarried for him and was moving on
at a smart pace. Her way led them presently out of the village
and along a lonely country road. Winthrop thought he was not a
needless convenience at that hour; but it was doubtful what
his little charge thought. She took no manner of notice of
him. Winthrop thought he would try to bring her out, for he
was playing the part of a shadow too literally.

"You are a good walker, Miss Elizabeth."

A slight glance at him, and no answer.

"Do you often go out alone so late?"

"Whenever I want to."

"How do you like living in the city?"

"I? -- I don't know. I have never lived there."

"Have you lived here?"

"Yes."

The tone was perfectly self-possessed and equally dry. He
tried her again.

"My brother says you have a very pleasant place."

There was no answer at all this time. Winthrop gave it up as a
bad business.

It had grown nearly dark. She hurried on, as much as was
consistent with a pace perfectly steady. About half a mile
from the village she came to a full stop, and looked towards
him, almost for the first time.

"You can leave me now. I can see the light in the windows."

"Not yet," said Winthrop smiling -- "Mr. Glanbally would hardly
think I had done my duty."

"Mr. Glanbally needn't trouble himself about me! He has
nothing to do with it. This is far enough."

"I must go a little further."

She started forward again, and a moment after hardly made her
own words good. They encountered a large drove of cattle, that
spread all over the road. Little independence plainly faltered
here and was glad to walk behind her guard, till they had
passed quite through. They came then to the iron gate of her
grounds.

"You needn't come any furthe