d and walked
back again to meet Noel Vanstone and Mrs. Lecount.

CHAPTER IV.

CAPTAIN WRAGGE and Magdalen retraced their steps until they were again
within view of North Shingles Villa before any signs appeared of Mrs.
Lecount and her master. At that point the housekeeper's lavender-colored
dress, the umbrella, and the feeble little figure in nankeen walking
under it, became visible in the distance. The captain slackened his pace
immediately, and issued his directions to Magdalen for her conduct at
the coming interview in these words:

"Don't forget your smile," he said. "In all other respects you will do.
The walk has improved your complexion, and the hat becomes you. Look
Mrs. Lecount steadily in the face; show no embarrassment when you speak;
and if Mr. Noel Vanstone pays you pointed attention, don't take too much
notice of him while his housekeeper's eye is on you. Mind one thing!
I have been at Joyce's Scientific Dialogues all the morning; and I am
quite serious in meaning to give Mrs. Lecount the full benefit of my
studies. If I can't contrive to divert her attention from you and her
master, I won't give sixpence for our chance of success. Small-talk
won't succeed with that woman; compliments won't succeed; jokes won't
succeed--ready-made science may recall the deceased professor, and
ready-made science may do. We must establish a code of signals to let
you know what I am about. Observe this camp-stool. When I shift it from
my left hand to my right, I am talking Joyce. When I shift it from my
right hand to my left, I am talking Wragge. In the first case, don't
interrupt me--I am leading up to my point. In the second case, say
anything you like; my remarks are not of the slightest consequence.
Would you like a rehearsal? Are you sure you understand? Very good--take
my arm, and look happy. Steady! here they are."

The meeting took place nearly midway between Sea-view Cottage and North
Shingles. Captain Wragge took off his tall white hat and opened the
interview immediately on the friendliest terms.

"Good-morning, Mrs. Lecount," he said, with the frank and cheerful
politeness of a naturally sociable man. "Good-morning, Mr. Vanstone;
I am sorry to see you suffering to-day. Mrs. Lecount, permit me to
introduce my niece--my niece, Miss Bygrave. My dear girl, this is Mr.
Noel Vanstone, our neighbor at Sea-view Cottage. We must positively
be sociable at Aldborough, Mrs. Lecount. There is only one walk in the
pl