said Mrs. Finch, while the old man
fumbled about for another book to throw after her.

Valmai laughed, but chided gently;

"Oh, poor old thing, uncle! She flew about like lightning to get the
tea ready. Now, here's a lovely cup of tea!"

"Ah! It do smell beautiful!" And he allowed himself to be raised up
on his pillow, while he drank the tea down at a gulp.

"Bravo! uncle," said Valmai; "ready for another?"

"Another! Oh, dash it, no; one's enough, may dear. 'Twas very naice
and refreshing. Now you have your tea, and let me look at you."

And as Valmai partook of her tea and bread and butter and ham, even his
hospitable feelings were satisfied.

"Now I'm going to ring for Mrs. Finch to take these things away, uncle;
no more books, mind!"

"No, no," he said, laughing; "she's had four to-day, and a pair of
slippers, and that'll do for one day. After all, she's a good ole
sole! though why sole more than whiting or mackerel Ay never could make
ewt. She knows me and my ways, may dear, and Ay pay her well. Eight
shillings a week regular! and she only comes at ten and leaves at
faive. Oh! bless you, _she_ knows when she's well off, or she wouldn't
put up with the books and slippers. Ay know 'em!" he added, with a
shrewd wink, which set Valmai laughing again. When Mrs. Finch came in
for the tray he was quite amiable. "Well, ole gel," he said, "this is
the night for your wages, isn't it?"

"Iss, sir," said the woman, with a sniff and a bob curtsey.

"There's my purse. Count it out to her, may dear. Eight shillings,
every penny, and there's a shilling overhead for good luck, Mrs. Finch,
becos the lil gel has come to manage the ship for us. Now remember,
she's capting now and you're the mate."

"Iss, sir, and thank you," said Mrs. Finch, disappearing with practised
celerity through the doorway.

And so Valmai took her place at once as "captain" of her uncle's house,
and, in spite of his gruff ways and his tremendous voice, she felt more
at home with him than with Essec Powell, for here her presence was
valued, and she felt sure that she had a place in the old man's warm
heart.

She slept heavily through the next night, and in the morning awoke
refreshed, and with a feeling of brightness and cheerfulness which she
had not expected to feel so soon. Her new life would give her plenty
to do, to fill up every hour and to drive out all useless regrets and
repinings.

Deep in her heart lay the one unsa