without
resorting to such an expedient," replied Mr. Emmerson, "but according to
your present proposal, they may be better selected, and you may make
terms which will prevent any nuisances."

The works at the mill proceeded rapidly, and before the hay-harvest the
mill was complete. Alfred was very careful, and paid every attention to
what was going on, and so did Martin, that they might understand the
machinery. This was very simple. Mr. Emmerson tried the mill, and found
it to answer well. He explained every thing to Alfred, and put the mill
to work, that he might be fully master of it. As it was a fortnight
after the mill was at work before Mr. Emmerson could obtain a passage
back to Montreal, Alfred and Martin worked both mills during that time,
and felt satisfied that they required no further instruction. The
soldiers, at the request of Mr. Campbell, were allowed to remain till
the hay-harvest, and as soon as the hay was gathered in, they were paid
and returned to the fort. Captain Sinclair, who, from his letter, had
been expected to arrive much sooner, came just as the soldiers had left
the farm. It need hardly be said that he was received most warmly. He
had a great deal to tell them, and had brought out a great many
presents; those for poor little Percival he kept back, of course. Emma
and Mary were delighted to have him again as a companion, and to resume
their walks with him; a fortnight thus passed away very quickly, when
his leave of absence expired, and he was obliged to return to the fort.
Previous, however, to his going away, he requested a private interview
with Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, in which he stated his exact position and
his means, and requested their sanction to his paying his addresses to
Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, who had already perceived the attentions he
had shown to her, did not hesitate to express their satisfaction at his
request, and their best wishes for his success; and having so done, they
left him to forward his own suit, which Captain Sinclair did not fail to
do that very evening, Mary Percival was too amiable and right-minded a
girl not at once to refuse or accept Captain Sinclair. As she had long
been attached to him she did not deny that such was the case, and
Captain Sinclair was overjoyed at his success.

"I have spoken frankly to you, Captain Sinclair," said Mary; "I have not
denied that you have an interest in my affections; but I must now
request you to let me know what are