. Pathfinder is the man, but it may
relieve your jealousy a little, to know that, in my judgment at least, it is a
match of the father's, rather than of the daughter's seeking.«
    »I thought as much!« exclaimed the Quarter Master, drawing a long breath,
like one who felt relieved; »it's quite impossible, that with my experience in
human nature, -«
    »Particularly hu-woman's nature, David!«
    »Ye will have yer joke, Lundie, lat who will suffer! But I did not think it
possible I could be deceived as to the young woman's inclinations, which I think
I may boldly pronounce to be altogether above the condition of Pathfinder. As
for the individual himself, why time will show.«
    »Now, tell me frankly, Davy Muir,« said Lundie, stopping short in his walk,
and looking the other earnestly in the face, with a comical expression of
surprise, that rendered the veteran's countenance ludicrously earnest - »do you
really suppose, a girl like the daughter of Serjeant Dunham, can take a serious
fancy to a man of your years, and appearance, and experience, I might add?«
    »Hout, awa', Lundie, ye dinna know the sax, and that's the reason yer
unmarried in yer forty fifth year. It's a fearfu' time ye've been a bachelor,
Major!«
    »And what may be your age, Lt. Muir, if I may presume to ask so delicate a
question?«
    »Forty seven, I'll no deny it, Lundie, and if I get Mabel, there'll be just
a wife for every twa lustrums! But I did'na think Serjeant Dunham would be so
humble-minded, as to dream of giving that sweet lass of his to one like the
Pathfinder!«
    »There's no dream about it, Davy; the man is as serious as a soldier about
to be flogged.«
    »Well, well, Major, we are auld friends -« both ran into the Scotch, or
avoided it, as they approached or drew away from their younger days, in the
dialogue, »and ought to know how to take and give a joke off duty. It is
possible the worthy man has not understood my hints, or he never would have
thought of such a thing. The difference between an officer's consort, and a
guide's woman is as vast, as that between the antiquity
