Born, to all appearance with the full possession of her sight, the poor child had become incurably blind before she was a year old.

In all other respects, she presented a striking resemblance to her mother.

Bachelor uncle Batchford, and his old maiden sister, both conceived the strongest affection for the child.

"Our niece Lucilla," they said, "has justified our fondest hopes--she is a Batchford, not a Finch!" Lucilla's father (promoted, by this time, to the rectory of Dimchurch) let them talk.

"Wait a bit, and money will come of it," was all he said.