"I myself only took up natural history, gathering the little knowledge I possess, after I was put on half-pay.

Indeed, it was all owing to poor Ted, your husband and my old shipmate, that I ever thought of reading at all.

He said it would be something for me to fall back upon for occupation when the Admiralty shoved me on the shelf; and, by Jove, he was right!" "Poor Ted!" sighed Mrs Gilmour somewhat sadly.

"Poor old Ted!" "Not `poor,' ma'am," said the Captain reverently, taking off his hat and looking upwards as he had done before when calling the children's attention to Him who taught the insects.

"He's `rich' Ted, now; and better off in his snug moorings aloft than you and I here below!" "Yes, I know that, but it is hard to be content," replied the other, appearing lost in thought for some moments; until presently, recovering herself, she looked at her watch, when, seeing what time it was, she said they must start back for home at once.