The two young men glanced at one another in dismay, and the elder
said, "Wouldn't nurse do better?"

"No, no, Frank," said the younger, catching a distressed look on
their mother's face, "I'll look up Miles's little African. I've
rather a curiosity that way. Only don't let them start the bells
under the impression that we are a pair of the victims. If so, I
shall bolt."

"Julius must be the nearest bolting," said Frank. "How he
accomplished it passes my comprehension. I shall not believe in it
till I see him. There, then, I'll give orders. Barouche for the
squire, van for the rector, and the rattling fly for the sailor's
wife. So wags the course of human life," chanted Frank Charnock, as
he strolled out of the room.

"Thanks, Charlie," whispered his mother. "I am grieved for that
poor young thing. I wish I could go myself. And, Charlie, would
you cast an eye round, and see how things look in their rooms? You
have always been my daughter."

"Ah! my vocation is gone! Three in one day! I wonder which is the
best of the lot. I bet upon Miles's Cape Gooseberry.--Tired, mother
darling? Shall I send in nurse? I must be off, if I am to catch
the 12.30 train."

He bent to kiss the face, which was too delicately shaped and tinted
to look old enough to be in expectation of three daughters-in-law.
No, prostrate as she was upon pillows, Mrs. Charnock Poynsett did
not look as if she had attained fifty years. She was lady of