When he did come she might soon learn that all hope was vain.

Besides, the delay gave her time to familiarize herself with the region and its most beautiful walks and drives.

The mountains, woods, and rocks should all be pressed into her service.

They would not reveal her secret, and they might engender thoughts and words with which Miss Wildmere would be out of harmony.
"I've been thinking," Mr.Muir at last remarked.
"Nonsense! you've been asleep," Madge replied.
"No; I've thought profoundly." "Not even a penny for any thoughts of yours since supper." "They would be worth fortunes, life, health, happiness, to half the world." "Then keep still till you have a patent, copyright, or something," said his wife.
"No.

I rise simply to remark--also to retire--that a little oil keeps machinery from wearing out and going to pieces.