you what has happened at Cape Town. I think the
effect it will have on you may be different from what I had expected."

"What has happened?" asked Warley with interest. "You have lost your
brother," answered Lavie. "I know he was never really a brother to you,
but you will be sorry for his sudden death, nevertheless. When the
rumour of the approach of the British fleet was circulated in Cape Town,
some of the English tried to organise a British force to help their
countrymen. The Dutch governor heard of it, and sent soldiers to arrest
the ringleaders. Your brother offered an armed resistance, and was
killed on the spot. The Dutch authorities declared all your brother's
property to be forfeited by his rebellion; but the new governor, Sir
David Baird, at once rescinded that. As your brother had made no will,
all his money has become yours."

Warley turned very white, and leaned forward on the table, covering his
face with his hands.

"I have told you, perhaps, too abruptly," said Lavie, "but you must
remember that you have nothing to reproach yourself with, so far as your
brother is concerned. Is it not so, Mr De Walden?"

"So far as I know," said the missionary affectionately, "nothing at
all."

"I hope not," said Ernest, in a low tone; "but this is very awful."

"Sudden deaths are always awful. But you have now to consider what you
will do. I thought, when I first heard it, that you would return to
England and go to one of the Universities. But I perceive that there is
an attraction that may keep you here."

"Yes, Charles, I cannot but view this strange and unexpected event as a
solution of the difficulty that has been burdening my mind for many
weeks past. But I should like to have Mr De Walden's advice. He must
have seen, I think, the attachment between myself and Ella--"

"Yes, Ernest, and I have seen in it the working of God's merciful
providence for the enlightenment of the heathen in this land of darkness
and superstition."

"You think, then, that I ought to stay here and take up your work when
you leave for Namaqua-land, as I know you mean to do some day?"

"Even so. I mean that you should remain here, and become the husband of
this dear girl, who is worthy to be the bride of a king. The wilderness
has indeed blossomed as the rose for you. But I do not advise that your
marriage should take place at once. Return to England, and prepare
yourself for your office by two or three years of