The mother's health failed; she was unable henceforth to travel with her husband, and, after living in Rome for nearly four years, she died there.

The boy was shortly brought back to England by his father, and placed in the care of Mr.Smales, on the understanding that a sum of money should be paid yearly for his support and education.

From that day to the present nothing more had been heard of Signor Casti, and all the care of his sister's child had fallen upon poor Smales, who was not too well provided with means to support his own small household.

However, he had not failed in the duty, and Julian (his name had been Englished) was still going to school at his uncle's expense.

It was by this time understood that, on leaving school, he should come into the shop, and there qualify himself for the business of a chemist.
Had it not been for Julian, the back parlour would have seen but little cheerfulness to-night.