owers, in honour of Estelle, arranged by
Jack's deft fingers. A number of books, some work, and a few photographs
were scattered about on this table, for no meals were ever served on it.
Another and smaller table close to the settle was used for this purpose,
in front of the wall on which all the brass and copper pans were hanging
in shining rows.

Curious and wonderful relics of a seafaring life were visible
everywhere: from Japanese cabinets to nautilus shells; from flying fish
to the sargasso weed in bottle; from the wedding dress of a Solomon
Islander to the exquisite models of the ships he had sailed in, executed
by Jack's skilful fingers. He had also rigged up shelves, or made
cupboards into which to put his curiosities; and every addition of his
handiwork increased the air of quaint comfort in the room.

Estelle was never tired of asking questions about all she saw, and Jack
never showed any weariness in answering them, and showing her his
treasures. He would tell her long stories of his sea-life, and describe
many a curious scene and object he had seen in the wild islands he had
visited. But in all his tales Jack never said a word that Lady Coke
would not have liked; and there always seemed some good in every person
he had met, even the roughest and toughest. Estelle delighted in his
stories. They served to beguile many an hour of weakness and weariness.
When, however, even these did not please her, Jack would carry her round
the room, and point out various little things she had not noticed. He
would tell her how he had found them, or he would take down one of his
ships, and show her how to rig them, while he taught her the names of
the spars and ropes. As she grew stronger, Estelle would read aloud to
Jack and his mother, while the latter knitted her jerseys and
sea-stockings for sale, and Jack made or mended sails and fishing-nets,
or carved little trifles for Estelle with the view of teaching her. She
was an apt pupil, enjoying these lessons and showing much ambition to
out-rival her master. Thus her strange life and surroundings occupied
her thoughts fully, and very seldom did she appear confused by any
chance word recalling a forgotten memory. Mrs. Wright, watching her
carefully, would not as yet risk any suggestions. The child appeared to
be quite happy and contented, and evidently loved the friends who had
shown her so much kindness. That was enough for the present.

'Such pretty ways as she has!' said