"Oh, tell him anything you like—why, tell him the truth to be sure—that I’ve gone to spend the morning with Mrs. Ross." "Miss Nina, I don’t like the looks of you this morning. When your eyes are as if there was little imps a-dancing in ’em, then I looks out for squalls." "Thank you, Phoebe," I said, laughing and making her a mocking curtsey. "My eyes feel very flattered, I can assure you." "Oh, they’re well enough, and bright enough," she replied, grudgingly, "but I should like to see a bit more soberness about them; why, when I was your age, miss, I was married. Mr. Larkins— "Poor man," I ejaculated under my breath. Phoebe did not hear; she was lost in reminiscences of the past. "Poor, dear Mr. Larkins, he were took quite sudden like; his mother died of heart complaint, and yet I never thought to say to Larkins, ’Who knows, my dear, but you might be took the same yourself, one day.’" "I should think not, Phoebe; it would have made poor Mr. Larkins very uncomfortable if you had. I daresay," I added, under my breath, "he was none too happy as it was," but, like all deaf people, the very thing I did not mean her to hear she heard at once, and turned upon me angrily. "Not happy, miss! As happy as the day was long was Mr. Larkins, and a deal happier if the days be these here days in China." "Oh, Phoebe, the day is bright enough; there is nothing wrong with that." "The day is all right for them as wasn’t kept awake all night by those bloodthirsty villains." "I heard nothing, Phoebe; I was asleep." "It’s all very well for them as can sleep; but, there, you’re only a child, after all." "Why, Phoebe, you said a minute ago that I was old enough to be married," and with this parting shot I ran away. Poor old Phoebe; our troubles pressed sore upon her. I had never seen her so put out before. She had been in our family for forty years, and was, therefore, privileged to be very disagreeable sometimes. As I ran down the path I met Mr. Crawford; he saluted, hesitated, and finally stopped short. "Whither away, Miss Nina?" He had such a kind, honest face, one of those you feel instinctively you can trust. "I am going to see Mrs. Ross." "All by yourself? Pardon me, does the Colonel know of your intention?" "Oh, yes—that is, I don’t know; father was out when I left, but Phoebe saw me go, and I had to listen to lectures yards long. I hope," I added, saucily, "that I shall not have to listen to any more." His boyish face had grown quite grave, his honest eyes had a look of apprehension in them, but he spoke lightly. "I see you are a very determined young lady, but perhaps you will allow me to accompany you so far; then, when I have seen you safe in Mrs. Ross’s hands, I can make my report to the Colonel and set his mind at rest."