With this careless banter the time passed away till they reached
Montreal, Mrs. Clarkson playing the shy widow to perfection, and, as
may naturally be supposed, not only raising herself in the
estimation of her brother-in-law, but drawing him in a strange
manner within the radius of her fascinating influences.

On arriving in the city they entered a carriage, and were driven to
St. James street, where Mr. St. Jerome, the lawyer, had his office.
In about an hour their business was transacted, and William invited
the ladies to Alexander's to partake of luncheon, but this the widow
discreetly declined, being aware that the pastry-cook's in question
was a celebrated rendezvous for all country-folk. Pleading as an
excuse that she wanted, to do some shopping, she advised William not
to trouble about them, as they would prefer shopping alone, and that,
if fatigued, they could easily drop in for an ice at some
respectable confectioner's. "Besides," added Mrs. Clarkson,
"I have promised to take Miss Cuthbert up the mountain this
afternoon, as she has never been to the summit of Mount Royal,
though living so near the city bearing its name."

"If you are going up the mountain, I pray you will allow me to
accompany you. I never visit Montreal without ascending it at least
once," said Mr. Clarkson. "If you do not wish me to go shopping, I
will not intrude, but I will feel myself slighted if you compel me
to ascend the mountain alone."

The widow feigned to give a reluctant consent, and accordingly they
arranged to meet on Place d'Armes at two o'clock, and to drive to
the base of the mountain together. At that time the beautiful
mountain from which Montreal derives its name, and most of its beauty,