customers."

"Emma, I think you have the worst of this peeping into futurity," said
Mary, laughing.

"Yes, if Alfred were not a false prophet, of which there are always many
going about," replied Emma; "however, I hope your prophecy may be the
true one, Mary, and then we shall get rid of him."

"I flatter myself that you would be very sorry if I went away; you would
have no one to tease, at all events," replied Alfred, "and that would be
a sad loss to yourself."

"Well, there's some sense in that remark," said Emma; "but the cows are
waiting to be milked, and so, Mr Alfred, if you are on your good
behaviour, you had better go and bring us the pails."

"I really pity Alfred," said Mary, as soon as he was out of hearing;
"his sacrifice has been very great, and, much as he must feel it, how
well he bears up against it."

"He is a dear, noble fellow," replied Emma; "and I do love him very
much, although I cannot help teasing him."

"But on some points you should be cautious, my dear sister; you don't
know what pain you give."

"Yes I do, and am always sorry when I have done it, but it is not until
afterwards that I recollect it, and then I am very angry with myself.
Don't scold me, dear Mary, I will try to be wiser; I wonder whether what
you say will come to pass, and we shall have neighbours; I wish we had,
if it were only on account of those Indians."

"I think it very probable," replied Mary; "but time will shew."

Alfred then returned with the pails, and the conversation took another
turn.

A few days afterwards, a corporal arrived from the fort, bringing
letters and newspapers; the first that they had received since the
breaking up of the winter. The whole family were in commotion as the
intelligence was proclaimed; Mary and Emma left the fowls which they
were feeding; Percival threw down the pail with which he was attending
the pigs; Alfred ran in from where he and Martin were busy splitting
rails; all crowded round Mr Campbell as he opened the packet in which
all the letters and papers had been enveloped at the fort. The letters
were few; three from Miss Paterson, and two other friends in England,
giving them the English news; one to Alfred from Captain Lumley,
inquiring after the family, and telling him that he had mentioned his
position to his friends at the Board, and that there could be no call
for his services for the present; one from Mr Campbell's English agent,
informing him that he had remit