ar, in your case at least," replied he; "for I
think it would spoil you to try and check your spirits; but there is one
thing I must entreat of you to remember, you foolish little thing.
Although John has said nothing to me about his feelings towards Miss
Rainsfield; as I have already told you, I strongly suspect he is over
head and ears in love with her; but for his sake you must not lightly
mention her name, or the subject of his feelings; for, if he is
enamoured of her, I fear he is doomed to disappointment. I understand
she is already engaged; though her cousin tells me, he does not think
she cares much for her betrothed; and that he intends attempting to
prevent her from throwing herself away in the manner she contemplates.
Still, I fancy any mention of the subject to John would pain him, so we
must be silent. Now tell me, my pet, what I have done to be left
standing outside my father's house? may I not be permitted to walk in."

"Oh, dear me," exclaimed the girl, "I never thought I was keeping you on
the verandah; but, come along, mamma will be so glad to see you; I don't
think she knows you've come, for I was the only one who caught sight of
you. But, Willie, do you know Mr. Wigton is stopping with us just now,
and he has been kind enough to promise to accompany us?" saying which,
without waiting for any further remark from her brother, she tripped
lightly into the house; followed by William, after he had delivered his
horse to one of the men.

As we have already, in our opening chapter, introduced the reader to the
Ferguson family at Acacia Creek, we may be pardoned for omitting a
similar ceremony now; but of Mr. Wigton, who was at the time a visitor
in the house, it may be necessary to say a few words.

He was a clergyman of the Wesleyan persuasion; one of the old Methodist
leaven; an earnest and devout man, and a conscientious Christian: one
who was kind and benevolent in his disposition, and without that bigotry
and uncharitableness so prevalent among some of the rigid bodies of
religionists. His piety was such, as to induce him, in the work of his
Master, to forget all private interests, endure privation and fatigue,
and to carry the consolations of religion into the remotest corner of
the bush. He fulfilled, to the extent of his power, the injunctions of
his Saviour, when He said, "Go ye into all the world and preach the
gospel to every creature;" and while he received disappointments and
misfortunes with