If I have any merit it is consistency.' The daughter had sat quite silent and still during this speech, with her eyes fixed on the ground; her cousin standing near her, and looking on the ground too.

She now said very softly, in a trembling voice: 'Mama, I hope you have finished ?' 'No, my dear Annie,' returned the Old Soldier, 'I have not quite finished.

Since you ask me, my love, I reply that I have not.

I complain that you really are a little unnatural towards your own family; and, as it is of no use complaining to you.

I mean to complain to your husband.