you think of it?"

There was no answer save the sound of heavy breathing; Uncle Joshua had
probably got to sleep "all over." The cessation of his brother's voice
awoke him, and rubbing his eyes he said, "Yes, yes, Ashton had the ship
fever. I hope he can't give it now, for I'm mortal feared on't."

Ashton assured him there was no danger, and then, turning to William,
said, "Have you ever heard from Inez?"

"Yes," said Mr. Middleton. "About a year after her marriage I heard of the
birth of a daughter, whom she called Inez Middleton. I have heard of them
once or twice since, but not recently."

After a moment's silence Ashton, with some hesitation, said, "If I mistake
not, I know Inez Effingham well."

"You know Inez, my Inez--where--how--tell me all," said Mr. Middleton,
grasping Ashton's hand as if a new link suddenly added to the chain of
friendship which already bound them together.

"You probably remember," said Ashton, "that when I left you so suddenly
there was an American vessel in port. I was anxious to return home, but
fancied you would oppose it, so I left without a word, and went on board
the ship. During the voyage, I found that one of the crew was from my
native town. I eagerly inquired after my parents and my little sister
Nellie, whom you so often heard me mention. Judge of my feelings when told
that they were all dead. In the agony of the moment, I attempted to throw
myself overboard, but was prevented. From that time all desire to return
was gone, and when at last we stopped at one of the ports in England, I
left the vessel to try my fortune in the mother country."

"But Inez," said Mr. Middleton, "what of Inez?"

"I will tell you," answered Ashton. "After remaining in England some years
I became acquainted with her father, Sir Arthur Effingham, who lived forty
miles from London. He invited me to visit his house and there I first saw
Inez and her mother. To know Inez was to love her, but I could not hope to
win the haughty Englishman's daughter, and besides she was so young that I
did not believe I had made any impression upon her. But, encouraged by
Lady Effingham, I at length ventured to ask Inez of her father. I did not
wish to marry her then, as she was only fourteen, but her father spurned
me with contempt, and bade me never again enter his house. I obeyed, but
tried many times to procure an interview with Inez. I succeeded, and told
her I was about to leave England for America, but should ne