d me, so I at once came forward. Manley put out his hand.

"You heard what I said to your sister?"

"Yes; and what she said in reply," I answered. "It gives me the greatest
possible pleasure. There is no man I ever met whom I should so much like
as a brother-in-law. I would advise Clarice to tell Uncle Jeff at once,
and hear what he says about the matter. My belief is, that he will not
say anything which either of you would dislike."

Dear little Clarice looked very happy when I said this. I was not
surprised that Manley had fallen desperately in love with her, although
her beauty certainly did not depend on the elegance of her costume, for
she had come out without shoes or stockings, with her hair hanging down
over her shoulders, and in her rough working-dress. I must confess I
forgot all about my axe, and where I had been going; and having been
taken into the confidence of Manley and my sister, I remained talking
with them, and settling plans for the future. Suddenly, however, I
recollected that I had work to do; and I had an idea that the young
couple would not object just then to my attending to my duties. At all
events, they said nothing to detain me. Manley agreed to remain with us
that night, and I advised him to lose no time in speaking to Uncle
Jeff.

[Illustration: A QUESTION, AND A CONFESSION.]

To make a long story short, when Uncle Jeff came back after his day's
work, Manley, following my advice, spoke to him. His reply was what I
had expected:--

"You shall have her with all my heart, for I am very sure you will make
her a good husband."

Manley had received his appointment as commandant of the fort; but as
the buildings were not as yet fully completed, nor would be fit for a
lady's reception during the winter, it was settled that the young couple
should wait until next spring to be married, when it was hoped that the
chaplain at Fort Harwood would be able to come over and perform the
ceremony.

Before the winter set in we had got up a sufficient portion of the house
for our accommodation, while the new field hands occupied the hut. Our
friend Winnemak paid us frequent visits, too, always bringing a supply
of game, which was very welcome, as we had but little time for hunting,
and were unwilling to kill any of our farm-stock.

Maysotta had always much to say to her father, and he willingly allowed
her to remain with us. His mind was already beginning to awaken to
spiritual truth, as he had had t