long but agreeable voyage, had reached Calcutta in health and safety. A
description of his new home, his new duties and employers, filled all
the rest of the letter, except what was devoted to affectionate messages
and inquiries, a large share of which were for Gerty. Gertrude dined
with Mrs. Sullivan, and then hastened to the omnibus. She took her seat,
and as she waited for the coach to start, amused herself with the
passers-by. It was nearly three o'clock, and she began to think she
should be the only passenger, when she heard a strange voice proceeding
from a person whose approach she had not perceived. She moved towards
the door, and saw, standing at the back of the coach, the most
singular-looking being she had ever beheld. It was an old lady, small,
and considerably bent with years. She had been vainly endeavouring to
mount the inconvenient vehicle, and now, with one foot upon the lower
step, was calling to the driver to help her. "Sir," said she, in
measured tones, "is this travelling equipage under your honourable
charge?"

"What say, marm?--Yes, I'm the driver;" saying which, he came up to the
door, opened it, and without waiting for the polite request which was on
the old lady's lips, placed his hand beneath her elbow, and lifted her
into the coach and shut the door. "Bless me!" ejaculated she, as she
seated herself opposite Gertrude, and began to arrange her veil and
other draperies, "that individual is not versed in the art of assisting
a lady, without detriment to her habiliments. O dear, O dear!" added
she, "I've lost my parasol."

She rose as she spoke; but the sudden starting of the coach threw her
off her balance, and she would have fallen, had it not been for
Gertrude, who caught her by the arm, and reseated her, saying as she did
so, "Do not be alarmed, madam; here is the parasol."

As she spoke she drew into view the missing article, which, though
nearly the size of an umbrella, was fastened to the old lady's waist by
a green ribbon, and, having slipped out of place, was supposed lost. And
not a parasol only did she bring to light; numerous other articles,
connected with the same green string--a large reticule of various
colours, a black lace cap, a large feather fan, and other articles.
They were partly hidden under a thin black silk shawl, and Gertrude
began to think her companion had been on a pilfering expedition. If so,
however, the culprit seemed remarkably at ease, for, before the coach