Nothing that you say or do gives me any annoyance; on the contrary, it always amuses me." This last speech of Lady Rosamond had surprised Mary Douglas.

Apparently engaged in selecting the most suitable branches of fir and spruce, she was more intently occupied in the study of her own thoughts.

She was wondering why the mention of the brook adventure had caused that look which, notwithstanding protests to the contrary, recalled something disagreeable to Lady Rosamond.
Being interrupted in these thoughts by her brother Fred's arrival with a request to go home, Mary Douglas joined the merry party, each bearing some burden as part of the spoil, while Johnnie collected and piled a large heap to be conveyed thither when necessary.
On arriving in the courtyard, Johnnie set up three lusty cheers which brought out Lady Douglas, accompanied by Mr.Howe and Lieutenant Trevelyan.
"Thought you were on parade this morning, Mr.Trevelyan," exclaimed the pioneer Johnnie, "else you might have formed another of our party." "The ladies might not have accepted your decision," returned Mr.
Trevelyan, hastily; "however, I thank you kindly for your consideration." After the ladies had returned from making the change of toilet necessary upon the tour of the woods, luncheon was served.

Mr.Howe and Mr.
Trevelyan remained.

Johnnie was full of adventure, but made no allusion to the brook.