T happened that, both this day and the day following, Mr. Cardross was absent on one of his customary houseto-house visitings in remote corners of his parish. So the Earl, before meeting Helen's father, had time to hear from other sources all particulars about her marriage; at least all that were known to the little world of Cairnforth. The minister himself had scarcely more to communicate, except the fact, of which he seemed perfectly certain, that her absence would not exceed six months, when Captain Bruce had faithfully promised to come back and live upon his half-pay in the little peninsula. Otherwise, Mr. Cardross was confident his "dear lassie" would never have left her father for any man alive. It was a marriage, externally, both natural and suitable, suitable, the the young couple being of equal age and circumstances, and withal tolerably well acquainted with one another; for it appeared the Captain had begun begun daily visits to the Manse from the very day of Lord Cairnforth's departure. "And he always spoke so warmly of you, expressed such gratitude towards you, such admiration of you: I think it was that which won Helen's heart. And |