Melville, as became a tall islander, carved beef, and ate of it, like a ruler of men.

Beautiful to see was the compassionate sympathy of the Countess's face when Rose offered her plate for a portion of the world-subjugating viand, as who should say: 'Sweet child! thou knowest not yet of sorrows, thou canst ballast thy stomach with beef!' In any other than an heiress, she would probably have thought: 'This is indeed a disgusting little animal, and most unfeminine conduct!' Rose, unconscious of praise or blame, rivalled her uncle in enjoyment of the fare, and talked of her delight in seeing England again, and anything that belonged to her native land.

Mrs.Melville perceived that it pained the refugee Countess, and gave her the glance intelligible; but the Countess never missed glances, or failed to interpret them.

She said: 'Let her.

I love to hear the sweet child's prattle.' 'It was fortunate' (she addressed the diplomatist) 'that we touched at Southampton and procured fresh provision!' 'Very lucky for US!' said he, glaring shrewdly between a mouthful.
The Count heard the word 'Southampton,' and wished to know how it was comprised.