Then with another glance at her dress, which had studiously been kept cheerful, she remarked, with deep reproach: "My sister is dead; why am I not in black ?" The nurse, realising her responsibility (she said afterwards that it was the most serious moment of her life), subdued her own astonishment at this proof of her young patient's knowledge of a crime of which she was universally supposed to be entirely ignorant, and, bestowing a reassuring smile on the agitated girl, observed softly: "You wore too ill to be burdened with black.

You are better now and may assume it if you will.

I will help you buy your mourning." "Yes, you look like a kind woman.

What is your name, please, and are we here alone in this great hotel ?" Now, as a matter of expediency--to save Carmel from the unendurable curiosity of the crowd, and herself from the importunities of the New York reporters, Miss Unwin had registered herself and her charge under assumed names.

She was, therefore, forced to reply: "My name is Huckins, and we are here alone.