tic training for any change of face that may be necessary. Where is
Mrs. Wragge?"

"Mrs. Wragge has learned her lesson," replied the captain, "and is
rewarded by my permission to sit at work in her own room. I sanction
her new fancy for dressmaking, because it is sure to absorb all her
attention, and to keep her at home. There is no fear of her finishing
the Oriental Robe in a hurry, for there is no mistake in the process of
making it which she is not certain to commit. She will sit incubating
her gown--pardon the expression--like a hen over an addled egg. I assure
you, her new whim relieves me. Nothing could be more convenient, under
existing circumstances."

He strutted away to the window, looked out, and beckoned to Magdalen to
join him. "There they are!" he said, and pointed to the Parade.

Noel Vanstone slowly walked by, as she looked, dressed in a complete
suit of old-fashioned nankeen. It was apparently one of the days when
the state of his health was at the worst. He leaned on Mrs. Lecount's
arm, and was protected from the sun by a light umbrella which she held
over him. The housekeeper--dressed to perfection, as usual, in a quiet,
lavender-colored summer gown, a black mantilla, an unassuming straw
bonnet, and a crisp blue veil--escorted her invalid master with the
tenderest attention; sometimes directing his notice respectfully to the
various objects of the sea view; sometimes bending her head in graceful
acknowledgment of the courtesy of passing strangers on the Parade, who
stepped aside to let the invalid pass by. She produced a visible effect
among the idlers on the beach. They looked after her with unanimous
interest, and exchanged confidential nods of approval which said, as
plainly as words could have expressed it, "A very domestic person! a
truly superior woman!"

Captain Wragge's party-colored eyes followed Mrs. Lecount with a steady,
distrustful attention. "Tough work for us _there_," he whispered in
Magdalen's ear; "tougher work than you think, before we turn that woman
out of her place."

"Wait," said Magdalen, quietly. "Wait and see."

She walked to the door. The captain followed her without making
any further remark. "I'll wait till you're married," he thought to
himself--"not a moment longer, offer me what you may."

At the h ouse door Magdalen addressed him again.

"We will go that way," she said, pointing southward, "then turn, and
meet them as they come back."

Captain Wragge signifi