ssional nurse.
We told you that she lived with us for six months while Colonel and Mrs.
Clibborn went abroad. She was never put out at anything, but was always
smiling and cheerful. She has the sweetest character."

The good people thought they were delighting their son by these
eulogies. He looked at them gravely.

"I'm glad you like her," he said.

Supper was finished, and Mrs. Parsons went out of the room for a moment.
James took out his case and offered a cigar to his father.

"I don't smoke, Jamie," replied the Colonel.

James lit up. The old man looked at him with a start, but said nothing;
he withdrew his chair a little and tried to look unconcerned. When Mrs.
Parsons returned, the room was full of smoke; she gave a cry of
surprise.

"James!" she said, in a tone of reproach. "Your father objects to
smoking."

"It doesn't matter just this once," said the Colonel, good-humouredly.

But James threw his cigar into the fire, with a laugh.

"I quite forgot; I'm so sorry."

"You never told us you'd started smoking," observed Mrs. Parsons, almost
with disapprobation, "Would you like the windows open to let the smell
out, Richmond?"

There was a ring at the door, and Mary's voice was heard.

"Has Captain Parsons arrived?"

"There she is, Jamie!" said the Colonel, "Rush out to her, my boy!"

But James contented himself with rising to his feet; he turned quite
pale, and a singular expression came over his grave face.

Mary entered.

"I ran round as soon as I got your note," she said. "Well, Jamie!"

She stopped, smiling, and a blush brightened her healthy cheeks. Her
eyes glistened with happiness, and for a moment, strong as she was, Mary
thought she must burst into tears.

"Aren't you going to kiss her, Jamie?" said the father. "You needn't be
bashful before us."

James went up to her, and taking her hands, kissed the cheek she
offered.

The impression that Mary Clibborn gave was of absolute healthiness,
moral and physical. Her appearance was not distinguished, but she was
well set up, with strong hands and solid feet; you knew at once that a
ten-mile walk invigorated rather than tired her; her arms were muscular
and energetic. She was in no way striking; a typical, country-bred girl,
with a fine digestion and an excellent conscience; if not very pretty,
obviously good. Her face showed a happy mingling of strength and
cheerfulness; her blue eyes were guileless and frank; her hair even was
rather