ily done!"

"Easily?"

"Dear madam, quite easily. Isn't the house a lodging-house; and, at this
time of year, have I anything to do?" He rose, and took his hat.

"Surely, you see me in my new character now? A single gentleman wants
a bedroom. His habits are quiet, and he gives excellent references. The
address, Mrs. Gallilee--may I trouble you for the address?"

CHAPTER L.

Towards seven o'clock on the evening of Thursday, Carmina recognised
Teresa for the first time.

Her half-closed eyes opened, as if from a long sleep: they rested on the
old nurse without any appearance of surprise. "I am so glad to see you,
my dear," she said faintly. "Are you very tired after you journey?" None
of the inquiries which might have been anticipated followed those first
words. Not the slightest allusion to Mrs. Gallilee escaped her; she
expressed no anxiety about Miss Minerva; no sign of uneasiness
at finding herself in a. strange room, disturbed her quiet face.
Contentedly reposing, she looked at Teresa from time to time and said,
"You will stay with me, won't you?" Now and then, she confessed that her
head felt dull and heavy, and asked Teresa to take her hand. "I feel as
if I was sinking away from you," she said; "keep hold of my hand and I
shan't be afraid to go to sleep." The words were hardly spoken, before
she sank into slumber. Occasionally, Teresa felt her hand tremble and
kissed it. She seemed to be conscious of the kiss, without waking--she
smiled in her sleep.

But, when the first hours of the morning came, this state of passive
repose was disturbed. A violent attack of sickness came on. It was
repeated again and again. Teresa sent for Mr. Null. He did what he
could to relieve the new symptom; and he despatched a messenger to his
illustrious colleague.

Benjulia lost no time in answering personally the appeal that had been
made to him.

Mr. Null said, "Serious derangement of the stomach, sir." Benjulia
agreed with him. Mr. Null showed his prescription. Benjulia sanctioned
the prescription. Mr. Null said, "Is there anything you wish to suggest,
sir?" Benjulia had nothing to suggest.

He waited, nevertheless, until Carmina was able to speak to him. Teresa
and Mr. Null wondered what he would say to her. He only said, "Do
you remember when you last saw me?" After a little consideration, she
answered, "Yes, Zo was with us; Zo brought in your big stick; and we
talked--" She tried to rouse her memory. "What did w