She had been obliged to come to town, and to remain there for the sake of one of her children, a little boy, who required the best medical advice." At the words "medical advice" Morgan shook his head and growled to himself contemptuously.

Owen went on: "While she was attending in this way to one child, his share in her love was unexpectedly disputed by another, who came into the world rather before his time.

I baptized the baby, and was asked to the little christening party afterward.

This was my first introduction to the lady, and I was very favorably impressed by her; not so much on account of her personal appearance, for she was but a little wo man and had no pretensions to beauty, as on account of a certain simplicity, and hearty, downright kindness in her manner, as well as of an excellent frankness and good sense in her conversation.

One of the guests present, who saw how she had interested me, and who spoke of her in the highest terms, surprised me by inquiring if I should ever have supposed that quiet, good-humored little woman to be capable of performing an act of courage which would have tried the nerves of the boldest man in England?
I naturally enough begged for an explanation; but my neighbor at the table only smiled and said, 'If you can find an opportunity, ask her what happened at The Black Cottage, and you will hear something that will astonish you.' I acted on the hint as soon as I had an opportunity of speaking to her privately.