wife at last? Try a seasoned woman of
thirty-five--that's your mark, Kirke, as near as I can calculate."

The time passed smoothly and quickly--the present time, in which _she_
was recovering so happily--the present time, which _he_ was beginning to
distrust already.

Early one morning Mr. Merrick surprised Kirke by a visit in his little
room on the second floor.

"I came to the conclusion yesterday," said the doctor, entering abruptly
on his business, "that our patient was strong enough to justify us at
last in running all risks, and communicating with her friends; and I
have accordingly followed the clew which that queer fellow, Captain
Wragge, put into our hands. You remember he advised us to apply to Mr.
Pendril, the lawyer? I saw Mr. Pendril two days ago, and was referred
by him--not overwillingly, as I thought--to a lady named Miss Garth.
I heard enough from her to satisfy me that we have exercised a wise
caution in acting as we have done. It is a very, very sad story; and I
am bound to say that I, for one, make great allowances for the poor girl
downstairs. Her only relation in the world is her elder sister. I have
suggested that the sister shall write to her in the first instance, and
then, if the letter does her no harm, follow it personally in a d ay or
two. I have not given the address, by way of preventing any visits from
being paid here without my permission. All I have done is to undertake
to forward the letter, and I shall probably find it at my house when I
get back. Can you stop at home until I send my man with it? There is not
the least hope of my being able to bring it myself. All you need do is
to watch for an opportunity when she is not in the front room, and to
put the letter where she can see it when she comes in. The handwriting
on the address will break the news before she opens the letter. Say
nothing to her about it--take care that the landlady is within call--and
leave her to herself. I know I can trust _you_ to follow my directions,
and that is why I ask you to do us this service. You look out of spirits
this morning. Natural enough. You're used to plenty of fresh air,
captain, and you're beginning to pine in this close place."

"May I ask a question, doctor? Is _she_ pining in this close place, too?
When her sister comes, will her sister take her away?"

"Decidedly, if my advice is followed. She will be well enough to be
moved in a week or less. Good-day. You are certainly out of spi