induced her to forget herself so far as to indulge in a wild romp
and thus injure her ankle. He wished Miss Cuthbert at the bottom of
the sea, and wondered how they were to get the beautiful cripple home,
as they were removed from residences or conveyances of any kind, and
Mrs. Clarkson was no small weight. There being nothing else for it,
however, the sturdy farmer lifted her in his arms and carried her to
the house of the caretaker of the cemetery; then, leaving her gently
on a sofa, he started for the inn at Cote des Neiges, thinking he
might obtain the means of conveyance to Montreal.

On his arrival at the inn he was informed that there was no livery
stable of any kind for miles around, and that the private buggy of
the proprietor was at the moment in Montreal, whither the landlady
had driven for provisions. Just then a team was driven at a rapid
speed from the direction of St. Laurent; it contained two young
gentlemen from Montreal, who had driven round the mountain attended
by a groom. On hearing the particulars of the accident they at once,
with great gallantry, gave up their vehicle, a mail phaeton, for the
use of the disabled lady, cheerfully undertaking to walk the
remainder of the way (about four miles), and enjoining Mr. Clarkson
to bring the carriage to their stable so soon as he had deposited
his fair companions in a place of safety.

On reaching the cemetery, William found the widow looking wretched,
indeed, and apparently suffering great pain. Her face brightened,
however, as she saw the carriage and was convinced that they
would be able to get to Montreal in time for the night train for
Sherbrooke. William assisted Miss Cuthbert into the trap, and
placed Mrs. Clarkson carefully beside her; then, mounting the
box, he thanked the caretaker for his kind offices and drove, via