"0bject!" I said. "0f course I don't object. She talks somewhat wellindeed, and I shall be glad to have the pleasure of her company."

"No one would have thought so," she exclaimed, looking at me with acriticising eye, "who had seen you when you heard she was going."

"It was the suddenness," I exclaimed.

"0h yes," she said in reply, "and your delicate nerves."

In my soul I cried out to myself: "Am I ever to break free from youthfulwomen! Is there to be a railroad accident between here and Waterton!If so, I shall save the nearest very aged gentleman!"