I say, to make the objection that it
is unnatural, when a girl has already been so madly in love, for
another fellow to win her affections in so short a time. Such fellows
are beneath notice, of course; but, for the benefit of the world at
large, and humanity in general, I beg leave to suggest a few important
points which serve to account for the above-mentioned change of
affection, and all that sort of thing:

I. The mutability of humanity.

II. The crushing effects of outrage and neglect on the strongest lore.

III. My own overwhelming claims.

IV. The daily spectacle of my love and devotion.

V. My personal beauty.

VI. The uniform of the Bobtails.

The above, I think, will suffice.

The drive back was very different from the drive down. On the way I
heard from Marion's own lips a full explanation of many of those things
which had been puzzling me for the last two months. She explained all
about the crossing of the river, though not without some hesitation,
for it was connected with her infatuation about Jack. Still, she had
got over that utterly, and, as I knew all about it, and as she had
nothing but indifference toward him, I was able to get an explanation
from her without much difficulty.

It seems, then, that O'Halloran had forbidden Marion to see Jack, but
she was infatuated about him, and anxious to see him. She had met him
several times at the house of a friend at Point Levi, and a few days
before that eventful journey O'Halloran had gone to Montreal. At the
same time Jack had written her, telling her that he would be over
there. So she took advantage of her father's absence to go over on a
visit, hoping also to meet with Jack. But Jack was not there. She
stayed as long as she dared, and finally had to return so as to be home
before her father got back. This was the day of the storm. She had much
difficulty in finding a driver, but at length succeeded by means of a
heavy bribe. Then followed her momentous meeting with me. Her departure
from the cottage so abruptly was owing to her intense desire to get
home before her father should arrive. This she succeeded in doing. She
felt deeply grateful to me, but did not dare to take any steps to show
gratitude, for fear her father would hear of her journey to Point Levi.
Nora knew about it, and kept her secret from O'Halloran most
faithfully. Then came my arrival upon the scene. She recognized me at
once, and as soon as I told my story Nora recognized me, t