noted smuggler whose
vessel was lost off this coast was the man she had married. Being
interested in her family, he made inquiries, but could not ascertain
whether she had survived her unhappy husband or not. And have you,
indeed, taken charge of her grandson in addition to those of your own
family whom you have had to support?"

"It was not I took charge of the boy, but my good son-in-law, who lies
dead there," said the dame. "He thought it but a slight thing, and only
did what he knew others would do by him."

"He deserved not the less credit," said Mr Tremayne. "We shall,
indeed, be anxious to hear that the boy has come to no harm, and I am
sure that Mrs Tremayne will be glad to do anything in her power to
assist you and him should he, as I hope, have escaped. We purpose
staying at Landewednach for a few days to visit the scenery on the
coast, and will send down to inquire to-morrow."

While Mr and Mrs Tremayne and the old dame had been talking, Miss
Tremayne had beckoned to Nelly to come and sit by her, and, speaking in
a kind and gentle voice, had tried to comfort the young girl. She,
however, could only express her hope that Michael had by some means or
other escaped. Though Nelly knew that that hope was vain, the sympathy
which was shown her soothed her sorrow more than the words which were
uttered.

Sympathy, in truth, is the only balm that one human being can pour into
the wounded heart of another. Would that we could remember that in all
our grief and sufferings we have One in heaven Who can sympathise with
us as He did when He wept with the sorrowing family at Bethany.

The rain ceased almost as suddenly as it had commenced, and as Mr and
Mrs Tremayne, who had left their carriage on the top of the hill, were
anxious to proceed on their journey, they bade Dame Lanreath and Nelly
good-bye, again apologising for having intruded on them.

"Don't talk of that please, Mistress Tremayne," said the old dame.
"Your visit has been a blessing to us, as it has taken us off our own
sad thoughts. Nelly already looks less cast down, from what the young
lady has been saying to her, and though you can't bring the dead to life
we feel your kindness."

"You will let me make it rather more substantial, then, by accepting
this trifle, which may be useful under the present circumstances," said
the gentleman, offering a couple of guineas.

The old dame looked at them, a struggle seemed to be going on within
her.