“Miss Asher,” he exclaimed as she rose, “your skirt is covered with dust.  You must have fallen.”

“I did have one fall,” she said, “but I was so worried I did not mind.”

“But you can not go back in that plight,” he said; “let me dust your skirt.”  And breaking a little branch from a bush, he proceeded to make her look presentable.  “And now,” said he, when she had complimented him upon his skill, “I will walk with you to the entrance of the grounds.  Perhaps as you are so tired,” he said hesitatingly, “I can help you along, so that you will not have to work so hard yourself.”

“Oh, no,” she answered; “that is not at all necessary.  When I am on the turnpike I can go beautifully.  I feel ever so much rested and stronger, and it is all due to you.  So you see, although you will not go with me, you will help me very much.”  And she smiled as she spoke.  He truly had helped her very much.

Dick was unwilling that she should go on alone, although it was still broad daylight and there was no possible danger, and he was also unwilling because he wanted to go with her, but there was no use saying anything or thinking anything, and so he stood and watched her rolling along until she had passed the top of a little hill, and had departed from his view.  Then he ran to the top of the little hill, and watched her until she was entirely out of sight.

The rest of the way to the toll-gate seemed very short to Dick, but he had time enough to make up his mind that he would see the captain at the earliest possible moment; that he would deliver his message and the letter of Lieutenant Asher; that he would immediately bring up the matter of Maria Port and let the captain know the mischief that woman had done.  Then, armed with the assurances the captain would give him, he would start for Broadstone after supper, and carry the good news to Olive.  It would be a shame to let that dear girl remain in suspense for the whole night, when he, by riding, or even walking an inconsiderable number of miles, could relieve her.  He found old Jane in the tollhouse.

“Where is the captain” he asked.

“The captain?” she repeated.  “He’s in town takin’ supper with his sweetheart.”

Dick stared at her.

“Perhaps you haven’t heard that he’s engaged to Maria Port,” said the woman; “and I don’t wonder you’re taken back!  But I suppose everybody will soon know it now, and the sooner the better, I say.”

“What are you talking about” exclaimed Dick.  “You don’t mean to tell me that the captain is going to marry Miss Port?”

“Whether he wants to or not, he’s gone so far he’ll have to.  I’ve knowed for a long time she’s been after him, but I didn’t think she’d catch him just yet.”

“I don’t believe it.” cried Dick.  “It must be a mistake!  How do you know it?”