Awaking From the Trance The first unexpected words may always startle a hearer; but when the shock is over, the listener's reason has asserted itself, and he can judge of the manner, as well as of the matter, of speech.

Thus it was on this occasion.

With intelligence now alert, I could not doubt of the simple sincerity of Margaret's next question.
"What have you two men been talking about all this time, Mr.Ross?
I suppose, Mr.Corbeck has been telling you all his adventures in finding the lamps.

I hope you will tell me too, some day, Mr.Corbeck; but that must not be till my poor Father is better.

He would like, I am sure, to tell me all about these things himself; or to be present when I heard them." She glanced sharply from one to the other.