I may, perhaps, be able to throw a light on it." The conversation was interrupted by Admiral Bruce, who had approached them unobserved.

"Excuse me," said he, "but you ladies seem to have hit upon a very interesting theme." "Yes, papa," said Bella.

"I took the liberty to question this lady as to her experiences of sick-beds, and she was good enough to give me some of them." Having uttered this with a sudden appearance of calmness that first amazed the Sister, then made her smile, she took her father's arm, bowed politely, and a little stiffly, to her new friend, and drew the admiral away.
"Oh!" thought the Sister.

"I am not to speak to the old gentleman.

He is not in her confidence.