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180 Mr. Hammond could not say there had been any regular engagement, but certainly there was an understanding.

"But, mamma," said Louis, "why did not you take Amy Staunton home when her father was killed? Surely there should have been an understanding that it was your business."

Mrs. Hammond winced—she could bear reflections from her husband and her neighbours, but that her son should think her in the wrong was worse than anything else.

"Oh! the Lindsays took a great fancy to her, and she to them; it is much better as it is."

"But she is not like the Lindsays; you never saw such a girl, she is so pretty and so lady-like. I am certain from something she said that she has great connections. And to think of her being governess there; but of course she'll marry Allan or James, or one of the Lindsays," and Lois sighed. Louis was nearly eighteen, and his mother congratulated herself that in six months he would be in England.

"Copeland says that his father was a tenant of old Mr. Derrick's that I have surely heard you speak of," said Louis.

"Oh! is he?" said Mrs. Hammond. "Mr. Derrick is a very wealthy man; at least he used to