If a man
sails under false colors, he mustn't howl if he is mistaken for a
pirate. Let us dismiss the subject forever. I am Walter Clifford
now--at your service."
At that moment Mary Bartley came in, beaming with youth and beauty, and
illumined the room. The cousins shook hands, and Walter's eyes glowed
with admiration.
After a few words of greeting he handed Mary into the drag. Her father
followed, and he was about to drive off, when Mary cried out, "Oh, I
forgot my skirt, if I am to ride."
The skirt was brought down, and the horses, that were beginning to fret,
dashed off. A smart little groom rode behind, and on reaching the farm
they found another with two saddle-horses, one of them, a small, gentle
Arab gelding, had a side-saddle. They rode all over the farm, and
inspected the buildings, which were in excellent repair, thanks to
Walter's supervision. Bartley inquired the number of acres and the rent
demanded. Walter told him. Bartley said it seemed to him a fair rent;
still, he should like to know why the present tenant declined.
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