the parties he had been
invited to, and the people with whom he had become acquainted. He had
not forgotten to purchase some of the latest English publications for
his cousins, besides a few articles of millinery, which he thought not
too gay, for their present position. He was still talking, and probably
would have gone on talking for hours longer, so many were the questions
which he had to reply to, when Martin came in and announced the arrival
of the _bateaux_ with the stores and cattle, upon which they all went
down to the beach to see them disembarked and brought up by the
soldiers, who were at work. The stores were carried up to the door of
the store-house, and the sheep and horses were turned into the prairie
with the cows. A week's rations for the soldiers were also brought up
from the fort, and the men were very busy in the distribution, and
carrying them to the little temporary huts of boughs which they had
raised for their accommodation, during the time they worked for Mr
Campbell. Before the evening set in everything was arranged, and Henry
was again surrounded by the family and replying to their remaining
interrogatories. He told them that the Governor of Montreal had sent
them an invitation to pass the winter at Government House, and promised
the young ladies that no wolf should venture to come near to them, and
that the aides-de-camp had requested the honour of their hands at the
first ball which should be given after their arrival, at which they all
laughed heartily. In short, it appeared that nothing could equal the
kindness and hospitality which had been shewn to him, and that there was
no doubt, if they chose to go there, that it would be equally extended
to the other members of the family.

There was a pause in the conversation, when Malachi addressed Mr
Campbell.

"Martin wishes me to speak to you, sir," said Malachi.

"Martin," said Mr Campbell, looking round for him, and perceiving that
he was not in the room; "why, yes, I perceive he is gone out. What is
it that he cannot say himself?"

"That's just what I said to him," replied Malachi; "but he thought it
were better to come through me; the fact is, sir, that he has taken a
liking to the Strawberry, and wishes to make her his wife."

"Indeed!"

"Yes, sir; I don't think that he would have said anything about it as
yet, but you see, there are so many soldiers here, and that makes him
feel uncomfortable till the thing is settled; and