her face, brushed her curls, and was about going in quest of her
companions, when the lady asked if she had friends there. Rosamond
replied that she had, at the same time explaining how uncomfortable
they were.

"The hotel is full," said the lady, "and they all envy me my room; but
if I pay for the best, I am surely entitled to the best. I shall not
remain here long, however. Indeed, I did not expect to be here now,
but sickness overtook me. I dare say I am the subject of many anxious
thoughts to the person I am going to visit."

There was a half-exultant expression upon the lady's face as she
uttered these last words, but in the darkened room, Rosamond did not
observe it. She was sorry for one thus detained against her will, and
leaning against the foot-board, she said: "You suffer a great deal
from ill-health, do you not? Have you always been an invalid?"

"Not always. I was very healthy once, but a great trouble came upon
me, shocking my nervous system terribly, and since then I have never
seen a well day. I was young when it occurred--about your age, I
think. How old are you, Miss Leyton?"

"I am eighteen next October," was Rosamond's reply, and the lady
continued, "I was older than that. Most nineteen. I am twenty-eight
now."

Rosamond did not know _why_ she said it, but she rejoined quickly:
"Twenty-eight. So is _Mr._ Browning!"

"_Who?_" exclaimed the lady, the tone of her voice so sharp--so loud