his "eloquent pen" or his
"generous advocacy," but I suppose he gets a great deal of that kind of
flattery, and isn't to be taken in. I think I will leave it as it is.
It is really most shameful that such things should be allowed.'

'When are you coming down to see Frank?'

'By and by, dear. I am going now to get mamma her egg and port wine.'

'I know Frank wants to see you.'

'Oh, indeed,' she said, quietly, as she folded up the letter.

That memorable snowstorm raged all day; the shops fronting the sea were
shut; the whole place looked like some vast deserted white City of the
Dead. But towards evening the squalls moderated; that fine,
penetrating, crystalline snow ceased to come in whirls and gusts; and
people began to get about, the black figures making their way over or
through the heavy drifts, or striking for such places as the force of
the wind had driven bare. Here and there shovels were in requisition
to open a pathway; it was clearly thought that the gale was over; the
Beresfords and their guest began to speak of an excursion next day to
Stanmer Park, lest peradventure it might be possible to have a lane or
two swept on the ice for a little skating.

The next morning proved to be brilliantly beautiful; and they were all
up and away betimes on their somewhat hopeless quest. All, that is to
say, except Nan: for she had sundry pensioners to look after, who were
likely to have fared ill during the inclement weather. Nan put on her
thickest boots and her ulster, and went out into the world of snow.
The skies were blue and clear; the air was fresh and keen; it was a
relief to be out after that monotonous confinement in the house.

Nan went her rounds, and wished she was a millionaire, for the fine
snow had penetrated everywhere, and there was great distress. Perhaps
she was really trying to imagine herself a cleryman's wife; at all
events, when she had grown tired, and perhaps a little heart-sick, it
was no wonder that she should think of going into that church, which
was always open, for a little rest, and solace, and soothing quiet.

This was what she honestly meant to do--and, moreover, it was with no
expectation of meeting Mr. Jacomb there, for it was almost certain that
he also would be off on a round of visitations. She had a craving for
quiet; perhaps some slow, grateful music would be filling the air;
there would be silence in the vast, hushed place.

Well, it was by the merest accident tha