Arthur was a good deal changed since his recall from college; and in nothing more than in his manner to Elsie; he was now always polite; often cordial even when alone with her.

He was not thoroughly reformed, but had ceased to gamble and seldom drank to intoxication.
"Thank you; but indeed I must go at once and dress for tea," Elsie said, consulting her watch.

"You are not going yet ?" "No, he will stay to tea," said Rose.
"But must go soon after, as I have an engagement," added Arthur.
Elsie met her father in the hall.

"Ah, you are at home again," he remarked with a pleased look; "that is well; I was beginning to think you were making it very late." "But you are not uneasy when I am in such good hands, papa ?" "No, not exactly; but like better to take care of you myself." The clock was just striking eight as Arthur mounted and rode away from his brother's door.

It was not a dark night, or yet very light; for though the moon had risen, dark clouds were scudding across the sky, allowing but an occasional glimpse of her face, and casting deep shadows over the landscape.
In the partial obscurity of one of these, and only a few rods ahead of him, when about half-way between the Oaks and Roselands, Arthur thought he discovered the figure of a man standing by the roadside, apparently waiting to halt him as he passed.
"Ha! you'll not take me by surprise, my fine fellow, whoever you may be," muttered Arthur between his set teeth, drawing out a revolver and cocking it, "Halloo there! Who are you; and what d'ye want ?" he called, as his horse brought him nearly opposite the suspicious looking object.
"Your money or your life, Dinsmore," returned the other with a coarse laugh.