This instalment, given in a positive and rather lofty way, made plain the fact that in her enforced exile the distinguished lady not only deserved the thanks of every habitue of the hotel, but of the whole country around, for selecting the new establishment in which to pass the summer, instead of one of the more fashionable resorts elsewhere.
This outburst of the society leader, uttered in the hearing of a crowded piazza, had occurred after a conversation she had had with Lucy concerning little Ellen.
"Tell me about your little daughter," Mrs.Coates had said.

"You did not leave her abroad, did you ?" "Oh, no, my dear Mrs.Coates! I am really here on my darling's account," Lucy answered with a sigh.

"My old home is only a short distance from here.

But the air does not agree with me there, and so I came here to get a breath of the real sea.

Ellen is with her aunt, my dear sister Jane.