tient did not inspire me
with much sympathy; but she attracted my curiosity, and interested me by
the bold style of her beauty.

"You Guernsey people are very stiff with strangers," she remarked, as I
sat opposite to her, regarding her with that close observation which is
permitted to a doctor.

"So the world says," I answered. "Of course I am no good judge, for we
Guernsey people believe ourselves as perfect as any class of the human
family. Certainly, we pride ourselves on being a little more difficult
of approach than the Jersey people. Strangers are more freely welcome
there than here, unless they bring introductions with them. If you have
any introductions, you will find Guernsey as hospitable a spot as any in
the world."

"I have been here a week," she replied, pouting her full crimson lips,
"and have not had a chance of speaking a word, except to strangers like
myself who don't know a soul."

That, then, was the cause of the little indisposition which had obtained
me the honor of attending her. I indulged myself in a mild sarcasm to
that effect, but it was lost upon her. She gazed at me solemnly with her
large black eyes, which shone like beads.

"I am really ill," she said, "but it has nothing to do with not seeing
anybody, though that's dull. There's nothing for me to do but take a
bath in the morning, and a drive in the afternoon, and go to bed very
early. Good gracious! it's enough to drive me mad!"

"Try Jersey," I suggested.

"No, I'll not try Jersey," she said. "I mean to make my way here. Don't
you know anybody, doctor, that would take pity on a poor stranger?"

"I am sorry to say no," I answered.

She frowned at that, and looked disappointed. I was about to ask her how
she knew the Seniors, when she spoke again.

"Do you have many visitors come to Guernsey late in the autumn, as late
as October?" she inquired.

"Not many," I answered; "a few may arrive who intend to winter here."

"A dear young friend of mine came here last autumn," she said, "alone,
as I am, and I've been wondering, ever since I've been here, however she
would get along among such a set of stiff, formal, stand-offish folks.
She had not money enough for a dash, or that would make a difference, I
suppose."

"Not the least," I replied, "if your friend came without any
introductions."

"What a dreary winter she'd have!" pursued my patient, with a tone of
exultation. "She was quite young, and as pretty as a picture. All the