"I think I heard her speak of one yesterday at the station." "Yes, poor thing," said Mrs Gilmour.

"She's got spinal complaint, and we saw her lying on the sofa in the queer little parlour crammed with curiosities that Nell took such a fancy to.

She seems a very nice girl, so happy and contented although in such a helpless state! Her old mother, whom I know you thought fussy and selfish, is quite devoted to her." "Humph!" ejaculated the Captain, taking no notice of Mrs Gilmour's allusions to his original impression of the stout personage with whom Rover had, so to speak, entangled them into an acquaintance.

"Perhaps some of that old port wine of mine would do the girl good, eh, ma'am ?" "Not a doubt of it, she looks so pale and delicate," replied Mrs Gilmour.

"But there will be plenty of time to think about that to- morrow.