Another fortnight went on, and the beneficial effect which the excitement of the change had effected in the health of the cripple boy began to disappear, and a short irritating cough constantly harassed him. Captain Bradshaw called in the best medical advice, and their verdict proved the death knell of his hopes. His grandson’s lungs were seriously affected. He might of course live for a long time. Yes, change might be beneficial. Torquay? Yes, Torquay would be just the place. And so to Torquay it was decided that they should proceed in a few days. One morning Alice Heathcote was talking alone with the invalid, when the name of Fred Bingham was mentioned. “Do you like him, Alice?” “No, James,” Miss Heathcote said; “to tell you the truth I do not like him at all. But my uncle is very fond of him, and so I keep my dislike to myself.” “I am glad you don’t like him,” James said. “I took a dislike to him, I don’t know why; he was very kind and friendly, but I did not like him. I was afraid perhaps I was prejudiced, but if you don’t like him, I am sure I was right.” “I am not infallible, you know, James,” Miss Heathcote said, half smiling; “but in this case I am pretty sure that my dislike is well founded.” James thought for a time. “I have heard the name of Bingham before, and I was trying to remember when. It has just struck me, a Mr. Maynard, whom Evan Holl is at work with, is under a Mr. Bingham, a contractor down in Yorkshire.” “It is the same Mr. Bingham,” Alice said, quietly. “Why, how can that be, Alice? Mr. Bingham is a cousin of Mr. Maynard, and in that case grandfather would be Maynard’s uncle too.” “Yes, he is, James; but there has been a quarrel between them.” “Has there?” James said; “I am sorry for that. I knew Mr. Maynard, he came twice to mother’s, and he was so frank and cheery, and so kind-hearted too. Why, it was he who sent out, at his own expense, Bessy Holl—she was mother’s sister, you know—to Australia to join her husband. I never saw such a fine fellow, so generous and kind. Evan would lay down his life for him. And he is very poor now, very, Evan said so in his letter. He lost all his money when the Great Indian Bank broke. What could grandfather have quarrelled with him about? Why, Alice, you are crying. I have not offended you, have I? I beg your pardon.”