thinks that
the last degradation; but she might listen if Captain Bowater came
and told her about his own regiment--cavalry too--and the style of
men in it--and it is the only chance for him."

Philip made a wry face.

"You see I took him up and let him down," said Herbert, sadly and
earnestly.

"I really do believe," said Jenny, clenching the matter, "that
Herbert would get well much faster if Harry Hornblower were off his
mind."

Phil growled, and his younger brother and sister knew that they
would do their cause no good by another word. There was an odd
shyness about them all. The elder brother had not yet said anything
about Jenny's prospects, and only asked after the party at the Hall.

"All nearly well, except Frank's deafness," said Jenny. "In a day
or two he is going up to London to consult an aurist, and see
whether he can keep his clerkship. Miles is going with him, and
Rosamond takes Terry up to see his brother in London, and then, I
believe, she is going on to get rooms at Rockpier, while Miles comes
home to fetch his mother there."

"Mrs. Poynsett!" with infinite wonder.

"Oh yes, all this has really brought out much more power of activity
in her. You know it was said that there was more damage to the
nervous system than anything else, and the shock has done her good.
Besides, Miles is so much less timid about her than dear Raymond,
who always handled her like a cracked teapot, and never having known
much of any other woman, did not understand what was good for her."

"Miles has more pith in him than ever poor old Raymond had," said
Phil. "Poor old Poynsett, I used to think he wanted to be spoony on
you, Joan, if he had only known his own mind. If he had, I suppose
he would have been alive now!"

"What a pleasing situation for Jenny!" Herbert could not help
muttering.

"Much better than running after ostriches in the wilderness," quoth
Philip. "You ride them double, don't you?"

"Two little negro boys at a time," replied Jenny, "according to the
nursery-book. Will you come and try, Phil?"

"You don't mean to go out?"

"I don't know," said Jenny; "it depends on how mamma is, and how
Edith gets on."

Philip gave a long whistle of dismay. Herbert looked at him
wistfully, longing to hear him utter some word of congratulation or
sympathy with his sister; but none was forthcoming. Philip had
disliked the engagement originally--never had cared for Archie
Douglas, and was not melted