as appearances went, a person possessing
unusual attractions--a person whom it would be a pleasure and a
privilege to know.

I fell into deep thought. The discovery of the photograph quieted me as
nothing had quieted me yet.

The striking of a clock downstairs in the hall warned me of the flight
of time. I carefully put back all the objects in the dressing-case
(beginning with the photograph) exactly as I had found them, and
returned to the bedroom. As I looked at my husband, still sleeping
peacefully, the question forced itself into my mind, What had made that
genial, gentle mother of his so sternly bent on parting us? so harshly
and pitilessly resolute in asserting her disapproval of our marriage?

Could I put my question openly to Eustace when he awoke? No; I was
afraid to venture that length. It had been tacitly understood between us
that we were not to speak of his mother--and, besides, he might be
angry if he knew that I had opened the private compartment of his
dressing-case.

After breakfast that morning we had news at last of the yacht. The
vessel was safely moored in the inner harbor, and the sailing-master was
waiting to receive my husband's orders on board.

Eustace hesitated at asking me to accompany him to the yacht. It would
be necessary for him to examine the inventory of the vessel, and to
decide questions, not very interesting to a woman, relating to charts
and barometers, provisions and water. He asked me if I would wait for
his return. The day was enticingly beautiful, and the tide was on
the ebb. I pleaded for a walk on the sands; and the landlady at our
lodgings, who happened to be in the room at the time, volunteered to
accompany me and take care of me. It was agreed that we should walk
as far as we felt inclined in the direction of Broadstairs, and that
Eustace should follow and meet us on the sands, after having completed
his arrangements on board the yacht.

In half an hour more the landlady and I were out on the beach.

The scene on that fine autumn morning was nothing less than enchanting.
The brisk breeze, the brilliant sky, the flashing blue sea, the
sun-bright cliffs and the tawny sands at their feet, the gliding
procession of ships on the great marine highway of the English
Channel--it was all so exhilarating, it was all so delightful, that I
really believe if I had been by myself I could have danced for joy like
a child. The one drawback to my happiness was the landlady's untiri