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12 shame came to her aid even in the arms of her dear friend, and with some embarrassment she faintly murmured, "I am well now." Noticing her confusion, Charlie helped her to rise. After being placed on her feet again, she gazed cautiously around, and inquired, "Is he gone?" On being satisfied on this point, Charlie offered to accompany her part of the way home, to which she agreed, and took his proffered arm, being still too weak to walk unsupported.

On their way along, in discussing the delicate subject, it was arranged between them that, as no serious harm had taken place, they would keep the whole a perfect secret even from Mr. McKay, her father; having no doubt but the stranger must be one of those bold Englishmen who usually visit the Highlands in the shooting season, and had taken up his abode at the Castle.

Relieving Charlie of her arm, Bella proposed to travel alone home, being within a short distance of the house, fearing her father might suspect something seeing Charlie in her company. Her companion consented reluctantly to this proposition; and, bidding each other silent adieu, their eyes met in a long and affectionate gaze, which sent the warm blood over their handsome faces, infusing pleasant and strange sensations through their young hearts which before this moment they were strangers to, and which gave new life to their souls.

Charlie had hardly left when her father, with an anxious countenance came to meet her, chiding her for keeping breakfast so late; no one, not even Mary Grant knowing what had become of her.

Bella apologised with embarrassment, remarking that she had been tempted, through the fineness of the morning to extend her walk to the bridge, where she had accidentally met Charlie Stuart, who had been shooting ptarmigan in Ben MorMòr [sic], and, knowing her partiality to the birds, he presented her with a brace, which she now exhibited to her father.

The daughter being a poor adept at dissembling, the practical eye of the parent detected some unconscious confusion in the manner of his usually unreserved child, especially when mentioning the name of Charlie Stuart,