The young astronomer leant against the wall, and was silent. His
misery was of an intensity and kind with that of Palissy, in these
struggles with an adverse fate.

'Don't mind it,--pray don't!' said Lady Constantine. 'It is
dreadfully unfortunate! You have my whole sympathy. Can it be
mended?'

'Mended,--no, no!'

'Cannot you do with your present one a little longer?'

'It is altogether inferior, cheap, and bad!'

'I'll get you another,--yes, indeed, I will! Allow me to get you
another as soon as possible. I'll do anything to assist you out of
your trouble; for I am most anxious to see you famous. I know you
will be a great astronomer, in spite of this mishap! Come, say I
may get a new one.'

Swithin took her hand. He could not trust himself to speak.


Some days later a little box of peculiar kind came to the Great
House. It was addressed to Lady Constantine, 'with great care.'
She had it partly opened and taken to her own little writing-room;
and after lunch, when she had dressed for walking, she took from the
box a paper parcel like the one which had met with the accident.
This she hid under her mantle, as if she had stolen it; and, going
out slowly across the lawn, passed through the little door before