ndreer.

They varied their walk by going down the wooded hill to the bay and
walking along the shore until they reached Mondreer, and up the wooded
hill again to the mansion.

"This is our last walk by the shore for three years to come; but it is
also the happiest we have had since my return from sea; for now we fully
understand and trust one another," said Le, as they re-entered the house.

The short winter afternoon was drawing to a close. The sun was just above
the wooded hills on the western horizon, and the moon had not yet risen
above the bay.

It had been arranged that Mr. Force, Odalite, Wynnette and Elva should
accompany their cousin to the distant railway to see him off--"to see the
last of him," as Wynnette put it, in a tragi-comic air. They were to go in
the large sleigh, drawn by a pair of draught horses driven by Jake.

Tea had been ordered at half-past five o'clock, and the sleigh was to be
brought to the door at six. By that time the moon would be up and the road
lightened.

The servants were punctual. At the appointed hour the whole family
gathered around the tea table, and by much tea drinking and more talking
and laughing, tried to enliven the gloom of the last hour.

As soon as tea was over, the girls flew off upstairs to put on hooded
cloaks and shawls and overshoes for their moonlight sleigh ride. Leonidas
put on his ulster and seal cap, and then made a round of the house and the
stables and quarters to bid good-by to all the servants, who gave him many
prayers and blessings, after the manner of their warm hearts.

When he returned to the hall he found Mr. Force and the three girls
already packed in the sleigh under heaps of bearskins.

"Make your adieus as brief as possible, my dear boy! It is necessary to
'speed the parting guest,' or he will not catch the train, and then what
will become of his official honor?" called out Mr. Force from the sleigh.

Le caught his aunt in his arms and kissed her while he received her
blessing. Then he embraced Miss Meeke, who cried over him a little.
Finally he gave his hand to Mrs. Anglesea to bid her a respectful and
friendly good-by; but that affectionate creature caught him in her arms
and pressed him to her bosom, saying, when she had kissed him heartily:

"Lord bless you, young un! I don't care if you do miss the train and fail
to report for duty and get court-martialed and dismissed the service; for
then yer can stay home and marry your gal--and