Mrs.Buckley was surprised at her sprightliness and good spirits, for she had expected to find her in tears.

The Doctor had met the Major in the morning, and told him what had passed the night before, so Mrs.Buckley had come in to cheer Mary up for the loss of her lover, and to her surprise found her rather more merry than usual.

This made the good lady suspect at once that Mary did not treat the matter very seriously, or else was determined to defy her father, which, as Mrs.Buckley reflected, she was perfectly able to do, being rich in her own right, and of age.

So when she was putting on her shawl to go home, she kissed Mary, and said kindly,-- "My love, I hope you will always honour and obey your father, and I am sure you will always, under all circumstances, remember that I am your true friend.

Good night." And having bidden her good night, Mary went in.