But all that she was need not here be set forth, for it will appear as our narrative progresses.
Mr.Hiram Ellis, the brother of Mrs.Darlington to whom brief allusion has been made, was not a great favourite in the family--although Mr.
Darlington understood his good qualities, and very highly respected him--because he had not much that was prepossessing in his external appearance, and was thought to be a little eccentric.

Moreover, he was not rich--merely holding the place of book-keeper in an insurance office, at a moderate salary.

But as he had never married, and had only himself to support, his income supplied amply all his wants, and left him a small annual surplus.
After the death of Mr.Darlington, he visited his sister much more frequently than before.

Of the exact condition of her affairs, he was much better acquainted than she supposed.

The anxiety which she felt, some months after her husband's death, when the result of the settlement of his estate became known, led her to be rather more communicative.