had brightened when he saw the letter from the
Admiralty, but it lighted up still more as he read the letter.

"Well, I little expected this from a stranger, at least from one on whom
we have no possible claim. Most liberal and generous. I said something
would turn up. What do you think, Sally? I really can scarcely read it
for the satisfaction it gives me, but I'll try. It begins--

"My dear Friend,--A severe illness has prevented me hitherto from
communicating with you, and from the same cause I was unable to attempt
forwarding your nephew's views; but as soon as I was well enough I
applied to the Admiralty, and their lordships, in consideration of your
own and brother-in-law's services, promised to nominate his son to the
first ship fitting out. I have to-day heard that he has been appointed
to the `Ione.' As I am aware that his outfit and allowance while at sea
will entail certain expenses, I have requested Commander Curtis to draw
on my bankers for the latter, while I beg to enclose a cheque for a
hundred pounds, which will cover the cost of his outfit, and it will
afford me great satisfaction to defray any further expenses which
unexpectedly may occur." The letter was signed, "Your faithful and
deeply-obliged friend, J. Farrance."

The tears started into Aunt Sally's eyes as she heard the letter read.
They were tears which showed how grateful she felt at the thought of her
brother's anxieties being relieved, mingled, however, with the feeling
that dear Ned was so soon to leave them.

"How very, very kind of Mr Farrance to help you to become a midshipman,
and some day you may perhaps be made a lieutenant. I am indeed glad!"
exclaimed Mary, though her faltering voice and the tears which filled
her eyes belied her words, as she remembered that Ned must go away, and
perhaps not come back for many long years.

"This is indeed far better than I could have hoped for," observed the
lieutenant, who had been again glancing over the letter while his sister
and Mary had been talking.

Ned himself for a minute or more could not utter a word.

"We must lose no time in setting about doing what is necessary,"
continued the lieutenant. "Sally, you'll get his things ready as fast
as you can. He will only require, however, a change or two, to serve
him until he can obtain his outfit. I'll write to the Admiralty to say
that he will join the `Ione' forthwith, and to Mr Farrance to thank him
for his generous offer,