er father's, and remained silent the rest of the
drive.

At Maxfield, the visitor, who appeared to experience no difficulty in
making himself at home, received a polite welcome from the widow, whose
style he generally approved, and considered a good deal better than his
gallant comrade deserved. Then, as none of the rest of the household
put in an appearance, he retired serenely to his comfortable apartment
to dress for dinner.

Captain Oliphant's first anxiety was naturally for his dear young ward.
He found him sitting up in an arm-chair, with Rosalind reading
Shakespeare to him.

"Hullo, guardian!" said he, "you see the place hasn't got rid of me
yet--thanks to my kind nurse here."

"I am indeed thankful, my dear boy, for your recovery. And how is my
Rosalind?"

She came and kissed him.

"Very well, dear father. But Roger has to keep very quiet still, so you
must only stay a minute or two, or I shall get into disgrace with the
doctor. He has been so good. Have you seen cousin Eva?"

"Yes, my child. But come with me; I want to introduce you to Mr
Ratman."

She looked inclined to rebel, but after a moment closed her book, and,
having smoothed the invalid's cushions, followed her father from the
room.

The captain felt decidedly nervous as she walked silently at his side.
At her own door she paused abruptly and said--

"Won't you come in, father? I want to say something to you."

"A storm brewing," said the captain to himself. "I expected it."

He followed her into her studio and closed the door.

"What is it?"

"I am going to leave Maxfield, father. I cannot stay here any longer,
living on other people. I am going to accept an engagement at the
vicarage as governess."

"What!" exclaimed her father. "What freak is this, miss? I forbid you
to do anything of the kind."

"I am very sorry you don't approve. I thought you would. It will
enable me to support myself, and perhaps help to keep Jill. I shall get
my board and lodging, and L30 a year, I am going on Monday. I wanted to
tell you before any one else knew of it."

"I repeat you must abandon the idea at once. It is most derogatory in
one of our family. In addition to which, I particularly desire to have
you here during Mr Ratman's visit."

"It is chiefly on that account I have decided to go. It is not right,
father, indeed it is not, to go on as we are."

She put her hands on his shoulders and kissed him, and looked into his