ryseworth," said Dr. Jeremy, through the long, open window, and
stepping inside as he spoke, "I see you appreciate our Gerty; I did not
say too much in praise of her good sense, did I?"

"Not half enough, doctor; she is a very bright girl, and a very good
one, I believe."

"Good!" exclaimed the doctor; "I didn't know that goodness counted in
these places; but if goodness is worth speaking of, I should like to
tell you a little of what I know of that girl;" and, without going
closely into particulars, he commenced dilating enthusiastically upon
Gertrude's noble and disinterested conduct under trying circumstances,
and had recounted, in a touching manner, her devotion to one old
paralytic--to another infirm and ill-tempered old man and his
slowly-declining daughter--and would have proceeded to speak of her
recent self-sacrificing labours in Emily's service; but Miss Graham
touched his arm, spoke in a low voice, and interrupted him.

He stopped abruptly. "Emily, my dear," said he, "I beg your pardon; I
didn't know you were here; but what you say is very true. Gertrude is a
private character, and I have no right to bring her before the public. I
am an old fool, certainly; but there, we are all friends." And he looked
around the circle a little anxiously, casting a slightly suspicious
glance at the Petrancourts, and finally rested his gaze upon a figure
behind Ellen Gryseworth. The latter turned, not having been previously
aware that any stranger was near, and, to her surprise, found herself
face to face with Mr. Phillips! "Good evening, sir," said she, on
recognising him; but he did not seem to hear her. Madam Gryseworth, who
had never seen him before, looked up inquiringly.

"Mr. Phillips," said Ellen, "shall I make you acquainted with Mrs.
Gryseworth, my----" But before she could complete the introduction he
had darted through the window, and was walking across the piazza with
hasty strides.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

A SURPRISE.

Later in the evening, when Gertrude, having resigned her little charge
to the nurse who came to seek her, had again joined her party, the
attention of every one assembled in the drawing-room was attracted by
the entrance of a beautiful and showily-dressed young lady, attended by
two or three gentlemen. After glancing round the room for the person
whom she came to seek, she advanced towards Mrs. Petrancourt, who rose
to receive her young visitor. Unexpected as the meeting was to Gertrude,