uggling man,
to-day I have had the letter announcing my appointment to the Headley
Museum, and it is not only the stipend--a liberal one--but the position
that is so valuable for one who is fighting to make his way in the
scientific ranks."

The admiral stretched out his hand, and shook Stratton's warmly.

"Glad of it, my dear boy. My congratulations on your promotion. I
shall see you an admiral among the scientific bigwigs yet. To be sure;
of course. I have been so taken up with other things--being abroad--and
so much worried and occupied since I came back, that I had forgotten all
about it. But my sister told me she was moving heaven and earth, and
going down on her knees to all kinds of great guns to beg them to salute
you."

"Then it has been her doing," cried Stratton excitedly.

"Oh, yes; I think she has done something in it. Do the girls know?"

"No, sir; not yet," said Stratton hastily. "I felt that it was my duty
to come to you first."

"Eh? Very good of you, I'm sure. I'll send for them. They'll be
delighted."

He rose to ring, but Stratton interposed.

"Not yet, sir, please," he cried; "I have something else to say."

"Wants to borrow a hundred for his outfit," thought the admiral. "Well,
I like the fellow; he shall have it. Now, my lad," he said aloud as he
resumed his seat. "What is it?"

Stratton hesitated for a few moments, and then hurriedly:

"I have met Miss Myra Jerrold and Miss Perrin frequently at their
aunt's, Sir Mark, and to a great extent you have made me free of your
house. You will grant, I hope, that feelings such as have grown up in
me were quite natural. It was impossible for me to be in their society
without forming an attachment, but I give you my word, sir, as a man,
that never by word or look have I trespassed upon the kindness you have
accorded me; and had I remained poor, as I believed myself yesterday, I
should never have uttered a word."

"Humph!" ejaculated the admiral, gazing at him sternly.

"But now that I do know my position, my first step is to come to you and
explain."

"And the young lady? You have not spoken to her on the subject?"

"Never, Sir Mark, I swear."

"A gentleman's word is enough, sir. Well, I will not profess ignorance.
My sister did once drop me a kind of hint about my duties, and I have
noticed a little thing now and then."

"You have noticed, sir?" cried Stratton, looking startled.

"Oh, yes," said the admiral, smiling.