"Yes, but I was in school and had my lessons and my work, you know, and Therese was at our house all the time almost."
But in her heart she felt ashamed of these excuses when she made them, for she knew that they were false. She knew that her attention had been so constantly occupied with her own day-dreams that she had no thought to bestow on the cause of missions.
"But I am sure Uncle Duncan will like to hear from you," she continued, hastily. "I think you will suit each other exactly. He is very fond of botany and natural history, and he is an excellent man and very agreeable. Yes, I know you will like him and he will like you."
"That is a compliment, certainly," said Bram. "And your aunt?"
"Aunt Christian is mother over again, only a little sharper."
"Then I know I shall like her," said Bram. "Hark!" he continued, after a few moments' silence. "Don't you hear the waterfall? How sweet it sounds!"
"The water must be high, I should think," said Marion. "How near is it? I wonder if we could get a glimpse?"
"It is just under our feet. The bank hangs over a little. Take care, Marie! Don't go too near the edge."
But the caution came too late. Marion had stepped to the edge to get a view of the little waterfall, and leaned over, holding fast by a small tree which grew close by.
"I am holding on," said she. But even as she spoke, the ground gave way under her feet, and she and the tree went together down the steep, rough bank. It was fully fifty feet from where she had been standing to the bottom of the rocky ravine.