ruction.
The soldiers, at the request of Mr Campbell, were allowed to remain
till the hay-harvest, and as soon as the hay was gathered in, they were
paid and returned to the fort. Captain Sinclair, who, from his letter,
had been expected to arrive much sooner, came just as the soldiers had
left the farm. It need hardly be said that he was received most warmly.
He had a great deal to tell them, and had brought out a great many
presents; those for poor little Percival he kept back, of course. Emma
and Mary were delighted to have him again as a companion, and to resume
their walks with him; a fortnight thus passed away very quickly, when
his leave of absence expired, and he was obliged to return to the fort.
Previous, however, to his going away, he requested a private interview
with Mr and Mrs Campbell, in which he stated his exact position and
his means, and requested their sanction to his paying his addresses to
Mary. Mr and Mrs Campbell, who had already perceived the attentions
he had shewn to her, did not hesitate to express their satisfaction at
his request, and their best wishes for his success; and having so done,
they left him to forward his own suit, which Captain Sinclair did not
fail to do that very evening. Mary Percival was too amiable and
right-minded a girl not at once to refuse or accept Captain Sinclair.
As she had long been attached to him, she did not deny that such was the
case, and Captain Sinclair was overjoyed at his success.

"I have spoken frankly to you, Captain Sinclair," said Mary; "I have not
denied that you have an interest in my affections; but I must now
request you to let me know what are your future views."

"To do just what you wish me to do."

"I have no right to advise, and no wish to persuade. I have my own path
of duty pointed out to me, and from that I cannot swerve."

"And what is that?"

"It is that, under present circumstances, I must not think of leaving my
uncle and aunt. I have been bred up and educated by them; I have as an
orphan shared their prosperity; I have a deep debt of gratitude to pay,
and I cannot consent to return to England to enjoy all the advantages
which your means will afford while they remain in their present isolated
position. Hereafter circumstances may alter my opinion, but such it is
at present."

"But if I am willing to remain with you here to share your fortunes,
will not that satisfy you?"

"No, certainly not; for that would be allowing