"My _wife_," said Guy, with a puzzled look.

"Bax!" exclaimed Lucy, grasping his hand warmly and kissing it; "surely
you knew that I was married to Guy?"

Bax did not reply. His chest heaved, his lips were tightly compressed,
and his nostrils dilated, as he gazed alternately at Guy and Lucy. At
last he spoke in deep, almost inaudible tones:

"Miss Russell--is she still--"

"My sister is still with us. I have told her you are come. She will be
here directly," said Guy.

As he spoke the door opened, and Mrs Foster entered, with Amy leaning
on her arm. The latter was very pale, and trembled slightly. On seeing
Bax the blood rushed to her temples, and then fled back to her heart.
She sank on a chair. The sailor was at her side in a moment; he caught
her as she was in the act of falling, and going down on one knee,
supported her head on his shoulder.

"Bring water, she has fainted," he cried. "Dear Miss Russell!--dearest
Amy!--oh my beloved girl, look up."

Stunned and terrified though poor Mrs Foster was, as she rushed about
the room in search of water and scent-bottles, she was taken aback
somewhat by the warmth of these expressions, which Bax, in the strength
of his feelings, and the excitement of the moment, uttered quite
unconsciously. Guy was utterly confounded, for the truth now for the
first time flashed upon him, and when he beheld his friend tenderly
press his lips on the fair forehead of the still insensible Amy, it
became clear beyond a doubt. Lucy was also amazed, for although she was
aware of Amy's love for Bax, she had never dreamed that it was returned.

Suddenly Guy's pent-up surprise and excitement broke forth. Seizing
Mrs Foster by the shoulders, he stared into her face, and said,
"Mother, I have been an ass! an absolute donkey!--and a blind one, too.
Oh!--ha! come along, I'll explain myself. Lucy, I shall require your
assistance."

Without more ado Guy led his mother and Lucy forcibly out of the room,
and Bax and Amy were left alone.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Again we change the scene. The Sandhills lying to the north of Deal are
before us, and the shadows of night are beginning to deepen over the
bleak expanse of downs. A fortnight has passed away.

During that period Bax experienced the great delight of feeling assured
that Amy loved him, and the great misery of knowing that he had not a
sixpence in the world. Of course, Guy