had thought) such an eloquent
appeal at the meeting in question; "I am delighted to see you, Mr
Summers. If I mistake not, I invited you to come and see me when you
should visit this part of the coast."

"You were kind enough to do so, madam, hence my venturing to call at
this hour. I quit Deal to-morrow, early, and I am anxious to re-plead
my old cause with you; but indeed I know this to be unnecessary, your
own sympathies being already enlisted in my favour."

Mrs Foster assured Mr Summers that he was right, but begged of him,
notwithstanding, to plead with her as if she were an enemy, in order
that she might hear all he had to say on the subject, adding, that she
hoped he would stay and have a cup of tea.

Hereupon Mr Summers bowed, drew in his chair, remarked to Amy that the
lifeboat service was one of the most interesting and important topics of
the day, and the National Lifeboat Institution one of the most valuable
institutions in the kingdom, and at once launched into his favourite
theme with all the gusto of an enthusiast who has gained the ear of a
sympathetic audience.

We will, however, spare the reader the details and statistics which
afforded so much pleasure to Mrs Foster and her adopted daughter,
knowing full well that there is an immense difference between these when
set down in hard type, and when poured forth in rich energetic tones,
backed by twinkling eyes and a beaming countenance.

"Do you really mean to tell me, Mr Summers," said Mrs Foster--when the
old gentleman came to the end of a long statement, "that about a
thousand ships are wrecked, and nearly a thousand lives lost, besides
more than a million pounds worth of property, on the shores of this
country _every year_?"

"It is a sad but incontrovertible fact," replied Mr Summers. "Official
lists are drawn up annually by the Board of Trade, which give the number
and positions of wrecks--cold dry lists they are too. Matter-of-fact
columns and figures, without a touch of softness about them. They are
not meant to appeal to the feelings; they are a mere record of facts.
So many vessels went ashore in such and such a gale--they were sunk,
dismasted, dashed to pieces. So many persons were saved, so many
drowned,--that is all. Ah! who can picture to himself the awful
realities that are condensed in those brief accounts?

"When a magnificent steamer, after a fine voyage from the antipodes,
comes within hail of port, is caught in a fearf