"'How are your father and mother, and how is your sister?' I
inquired, feeling more deeply moved than I can express.

"'My poor mother died three years ago. It is Ellen who keeps house
now.'

"'Your brother-in-law lives with you, then?'

"'My brother-in-law!' replied Francis, with surprise; 'did you not
know that he was on board the Atlantic, which was lost last year in
the passage from Liverpool to New York?'

"I could find no words to reply.

"'As to that,' added Francis, with great composure--'between you and
me, he was no great loss. My dear brother-in-law was not by any
means what my father fancied he was when he gave him my sister as a
wife. The whole family has often regretted the marriage. Ellen lived
apart from her husband for many years before his death.'

"I nodded so as to express my interest in his communications, but I
could not for worlds have uttered a syllable.

"'You will come and see us soon, I hope,' added Francis, without
noticing my emotion. 'We are still at the same place; but to make
sure, here is my card. Come, Mr. Warren--name your own day to come
and dine with us. I promise you a hearty welcome.'

"I got off by promising to write the next day, and we parted.