eridan as her only escort. He was at pains to adorn this
role with so many happy touches of courtesy and amiability that their
confinement in the postchaise appeared to both of incredible brevity.

When they had reached Melrose another chaise was ordered to convey them
to Bemerside; and pending its forthcoming Mr. Sheridan and Miss Ogle
strolled among the famous ruins of Melrose Abbey. The parliamentarian
had caused his hair to be exuberantly curled that morning, and figured
to advantage in a plum-colored coat and a saffron waistcoat sprigged
with forget-me-nots. He chatted entertainingly concerning the Second
Pointed style of architecture; translated many of the epitaphs; and was
abundant in interesting information as to Robert Bruce, and Michael
Scott, and the rencounter of Chevy Chase.

"Oh, but observe," said Mr. Sheridan, more lately, "our only covering
is the dome of heaven. Yet in their time these aisles were populous,
and here a score of generations have besought what earth does not
afford--now where the banners of crusaders waved the ivy flutters, and
there is no incense in this consecrated house except the breath of the
wild rose."

"The moral is an old one," she returned. "Mummy is become merchandise,
Mizraim cures wounds, and Pharaoh is sold for balsams."

"You are a reader, madam?" he observed, with some surprise; and he
continued: "Indeed, my thoughts were on another trail. I was
considering that the demolishers of this place--those English armies,
those followers of John Knox--were actuated by the highest and most
laudable of motives. As a result we find the house of Heaven converted
into a dustheap."

"I believe you attempt an apologue," she said, indignantly. "Upon my
word, I think you would insinuate that philanthropy, when forced to
manifest itself through embezzlement, is a less womanly employment than
the darning of stockings!"

"Whom the cap fits----" he answered, with a bow. "Indeed, incomparable
Esther Jane, I had said nothing whatever touching hosiery; and it was
equally remote from my intentions to set up as a milliner."

They lunched at Bemerside, where Mr. Sheridan was cordially received by
the steward, and a well-chosen repast was placed at their disposal.

"Fergus," Mr. Sheridan observed, as they chatted over their dessert
concerning famous gems--in which direction talk had been adroitly
steered"--Fergus, since we are on the topic, I would like to show Miss
Ogle the H