ng in the wind!"

"My child," remarked the captain, "there is always something in the
wind. According to the best authorities, you may count on findin'
oxygen, nitrogen, and carbonic-acid gases in it--not to mention foreign
substances at times, such as dust leaves, bits of old newspaper and the
like, except at sea, where it is always pure and good."

"But with plenty of salt in it," interposed Miss Millet, "though not
enough to cure you of bad habits, brother. Come now, tell us really
what you mean."

"Well, sister, what I really mean is this: that the fortune which has
been sent to me is far too big for one pair of hands and one brain to
manage: so my son-in-law has agreed to help me--and the labourer, you
know, is worthy of his hire! Surely I don't need to explain the meaning
of that text to _you_! Since we last conversed in this room on the
disposal of my surplus funds, Jeff and I have had many a long talk and
walk together. Moreover, I have kept the young secretary's nose so
tight to the grindstone for some months past that he has produced
results which will, I think, interest--it may be even surprise--you."

"Before going further," continued the captain, pushing in his cup,
"let's have some more o' that brew to wet my whistle. Well, you will be
pleased to hear that I have changed my mind about the carriage and four,
and the mansion in Belgravia, and the castle at Folkestone, and the
steam-yacht--given 'em all up, and decided to come here an' live quietly
beside you, sister."

"Are you in earnest brother?" asked Miss Millet, with sparkling eyes.

"Never more in earnest in my life; but get out your plans an' papers,
secretary, an' explain 'em."

Jeff rose, left the room, and returned with a business-like bundle of
papers, which he untied and arranged on the table before him. Taking up
one, he said--

"This is a list of the poor people in Cranby, in whom Miss Millet has
been accustomed to take special interest. The first on the list is old
Susan Jenkins."

"My dear old woman, who has been bedridden so long, and in such terrible
poverty?" asked Miss Millet.

"The same," answered Jeff. "Captain Millet has succeeded in getting her
admission into the hospital for incurables. We have only just received
intimation of the appointment; and as the old woman does not know of it
yet, we thought it best to let you be the bearer of the news."

"Oh, brother!" exclaimed Miss Millet, clasping her hands in delig