precaution was the
more necessary, as the abrupt banks of the river, with the dense bushes
which grew along them, was a safe lurking place for any Indians who
might be skulking about the country.

"A very nice gentleman, upon my word," said Mrs. Temple, when Alfred
Bernard was out of hearing. "Virginia, don't you like him?"

"Yes, very much, as far as I have an opportunity of judging."

"His information is so extensive, his views so correct, his conversation
so delightful. Don't you think so?"

"Yes, mother," replied Virginia.

"Yes, mother! Why don't you show more spirit?" said her mother. "There
you sat moping in the carriage the whole way, looking for all the world
as if you didn't understand a word he was saying. That isn't right, my
dear; you should look up and show more spirit--d'ye hear!"

"You mistake,mother; I did enjoy the ride very much, and found Mr.
Bernard very agreeable."

"Well, but you were so lack-a-daisical and yea, nay, in your manner to
him. How do you expect a young man to feel any interest in you, if you
never give him any encouragement?"

"Why, mother, I don't suppose Mr. Bernard takes any more interest in me
than he would in any casual acquaintance; and, indeed, if he did, I
certainly cannot return it. But I will try and cheer up, and be more
agreeable for your sake."

"That's right, my dear daughter; remember that your old mother knows
what is best for you, and she will never advise you wrong. I think it is
very plain that this young gentleman has taken a fancy to you already,
and while I would not have you too pert and forward, yet it is well
enough to show off, and, in a modest way, do everything to encourage
him. You know I always said, my dear, that you were too young when you
formed an attachment for that young Hansford, and that you did not know
your own heart, and now you see I was right."

Virginia did not see that her mother was right, but she was too well
trained to reply; and so, without a word, she yielded herself once more
to her own sad reflections, and, true-hearted girl that she was, she
soon forgot the fascinations of Alfred Bernard in her memory of
Hansford.

They had not proceeded far, when Bernard saw, seated on the trunk of a
fallen tree, the dusky form of a young Indian, whom he soon recognized
as the leader of the party who the day before had made the attack upon
Windsor Hall. The interest which he felt in this young man, whose early
history he had heard, co