"Seymour!" cried Paganel. "This is the last place we shall meet with before leaving the province of Victoria."
"Is it an important town?" inquired Lady Helena.
"Madam," replied he, "it is a simple parish that would like to become a municipality."
"Shall we find a comfortable hotel?" asked Glenarvan.
"I hope so," answered the geographer.
"Well, then, let us go into the town; for the ladies will not be sorry, I imagine, to rest here one night."
"My dear Edward," replied Lady Helena, "Mary and I accept; but on the condition that it shall cause no trouble or delay."
"None at all," said Lord Glenarvan. "Moreover, our oxen are fatigued. To-morrow we will start at break of day."
A TALK AFTER SUPPER.
It was now nine o'clock. The moon was approaching the horizon, and her rays were dimmed by the gathering mist. The darkness was increasing. The whole party, accordingly, entered the broad street of Seymour under the guidance of Paganel, who always seemed to be perfectly acquainted with what he had never seen. But his instinct directed him, and he went straight to Campbell's North British Hotel. Horses and oxen were taken to the stable, the cart was put under the shed, and the travelers were conducted to quite comfortable apartments.