"While little Alice, ran on thus to me, I felt stung to the quick; and all the pride of my nature warring within. For the first time in my life, I became painfully conscious of the difference of rank which existed between me and my benefactor; I was restless and unhappy, and determined not to go near the Hall, until Sir Alexander bade me do so himself.
"But days passed, and I saw nothing of the good Baronet, and Alice and I were obliged to content ourselves by roaming through all the old beloved haunts, and talking of Margaret. We were returning one evening through the fine avenue of oaks, which led to the front entrance of the demesne, when a pony rushed past us at full gallop. A boyish impulse, tempted me to give a loud halloo, in order to set the beautiful animal off at its wildest speed. In a few minutes we met a lad of my own age, booted and spurred, with a whip in his hand, running in the same direction the pony had taken. He was in a towering passion, and coming up to us, he cried out, with a menacing air--
"'You impudent rascal! how dared you to shout in that way, to frighten my horse, when you saw me endeavouring to catch him?'
"'I saw no such thing,' I replied, drily. 'I admired the pony, and shouted to see how much faster he could run.'
"'You deserve a good thrashing,' quoth he. 'Go and catch the horse for me, or I will complain to Sir Alexander of your conduct.'
"'Sir Alexander is not my master, neither are you. I shall do no such thing.'
"'Do it instantly!' stamping with his foot.
"'Do it yourself. You look quite as fit for a groom as I do.'
"I tried to pass him, but he stepped into the centre of the path, and hindered me. To avoid a collision was now impossible.
"'You insolent young blackguard!' he cried, 'do you know that you are speaking to a gentleman?'
"'_Indeed!_' I said, with a provoking smile. 'I ought to thank you for the information, for I never should have suspected the fact.'
"With a yell of rage, he struck me in the face with the butt end of his whip. I sprang upon him with the strength of a tiger, and seizing his puny form in my arms, I dashed him beneath my feet, and after bestowing upon him sundry hearty kicks, rejoined the terrified Alice, and left Mr. Theophilus Moncton, to gather up his fallen dignity, and make the best of his way home to the Hall.