I'll start to-morrow." "Joseph, I am grateful.

I shall be more grateful yet if you will start to-day." "No, sink me, no." "Yes, sink me, yes," returned Gregory.

"You must, Joseph." Joseph spoke of the wind again; the sky, he urged, was heavy with rain.
"What signifies a day ?" he whined.
But Gregory stood his ground until almost out of self-protection the other consented to do his bidding and set out as soon as he could make ready.
This being determined, Joseph left his brother, and cursing Master Stewart for the amount of discomfort which he was about to endure on his behoof, he went to prepare for the journey.
Gregory lingered still in the chamber where they had dined, and sat staring moodily before him at the table-linen.

Anon, with a half-laugh of contempt, he filled a glass of muscadine, and drained it.

As he set down the glass the door opened, and on the threshold stood a very dainty girl, whose age could not be more than twenty.