"Not real encouragement. I never gave anyone real encouragement, Charlie, till I knew you. Even in your case I fear I ought to have been more reticent. But you cannot have the least idea of what a wide world of love you seem to have opened out to me. Won't you forgive me for encouraging you?" Dear mamma, he collapsed. Of what took place during the moments which immediately followed. I can give you no definite description. I know I began to think that the end of the world had come. When he had quite finished, he said: "Look here, young lady, what is past is past. We will make no further allusions to what took place before the war. But, in the future, perhaps you will kindly manage not, as you put it, to confuse the issues, but will continue to confine yourself to encouraging me." Was it not noble of him? And so sweet! I am persuaded that his character is one of singular beauty. Dear mamma, the passages which ensued were too sacred even for your dear eyes. When he left me I felt certain it was to dream of him. I know that, all night long, I dreamt of him. And, on my knees, beside my bed, I registered a vow that, in the time to come, I will be as good as I possibly can. Do not forget the shoes, and the stockings, and the chocolates! And do give Tom his ring! I am registering this letter, so you are sure to get it safe. I will bring, or send, Charlie to you, on approval, whenever you please. I am, my dearest mamma, Your ever loving daughter, MAY. AUNT JANE'S JALAP. CHAPTER I. BEFORE TAKING. "There's a fortune in it!" "For the bottlemakers." "If for them, then what for us? We shan't want more bottles than we can sell. Besides, we can make our own bottles if it comes to that. Cost of bottle, contents, cork, label, and all, one penny. Selling price, eightpence. Sale, at a moderate estimate, one million bottles a year. How does that figure for a profit?" "It figures nicely. But give me facts. How long do you suppose it will take us to reach that sale?" "No time. The name will sell it! 'Aunt Jane's Jalap!' There isn't an old woman in England who, seeing those words staring her in the face, won't press a longing hand to her inside." "Outside, I presume, you mean. But no matter." Hughes placed the bottle on the table. He looked at it with loving eyes. Then he shook his head. "There's only one thing we want." "Customers?" "Testimonials! There's something in it. I know there is." "Not much, perhaps, but still something."