life previously, he said he had determined to
`chance his luck' this time, and did not insure vessel or cargo: so that
all is gone. His wife and several children are dependent on him. He
has no relatives rich enough, or willing enough, to help him; and, poor
fellow, he has received injuries while being rescued, which will
probably render him helpless for the rest of his life. Now, do you
think that good will come out of all that?"

"I am _sure_ it will," returned Miss Millet confidently, "and good to
_him_ too if he seeks it; though of course I know not how or when."

"But why are you so sure?"

"Because, Jeff, it is written that God does not `afflict the children of
men willingly.' He does it for their good, and that good cannot fail of
accomplishment, unless they refuse the good and choose the evil."

Again Jeff became silent and thoughtful. "I have meditated much of
late," he said, "about Captain Millet's adventure in China--"

"By the way," interrupted Miss Millet, "that reminds me that the
captain's little girl Rose--Rosebud, as he calls her--is to come here
this very evening to stay with me for a week."

"Indeed? that will be pleasant, auntie. I must come and see her as an
old acquaintance."

"Oh yes, you must, Jeff. You've no idea what a sweet girl she has
become. I am quite charmed with her--so modest, and unselfish, and
clever, and good, and--and, in short, I call her the four F's, for she
is fair, fragile, fervent, and funny."

"What a catalogue!" exclaimed the youth, laughing; "you may well be
charmed with her. But what do you mean by funny? Does she try to make
people laugh?"

"Oh dear, no! In company she can scarce be made to speak at all, but
she _is_ so fond of fun--has such a lively appreciation of humour, and
laughs _so_ heartily. She has grown quite into a woman since I last saw
her when her father went to sea. There she is!"

Miss Millet sprang from her chair with the agility almost of a young
woman, and ran to open the door, for a cab was heard pulling up in front
of the cottage.

There was a delighted little shriek from "Auntie!" and the warmest
salutations of welcome; and the next moment Miss Millet, with the
captain's daughter, arm in arm, embracing one another, entered the
parlour.

The coastguardsman was transfixed, for there, before him, flushed and
panting, stood--

"A maid with eyes of heavenly blue,
And rippling hair of golden hue;
With parted lips of Co