“He wishes to have a talk with me about the dear child. Don't you, George?” “And about your dear self, Kate,” replied Colonel Gerald, in the Irish way that brought back to the lady still more vividly all the old memories of the happy station on the Himalayas. “Ah, how like George that, isn't it?” she whispered to her husband. “My dear girl, don't be a tool,” was the parting request of the major as he strolled off to where the doctor was, he knew, waiting for some sign that the brandy and water were amalgamating. “I'm glad that we are alone, George,” said Mrs. Crawford, taking Colonel Gerald's arm. “We can talk together freely about the child--about Daireen.” “And what have we to say about her, Kate? Can you give me any hints about her temper, eh? How she needs to be managed, and that sort of thing? You used to be capital at that long ago.” “And I flatter myself that I can still tell all about a girl after a single glance; but, my dear George, I never indeed knew what a truly perfect nature was until I came to understand Daireen. She is an angel, George.” “No,” said the colonel gently; “not Daireen--she is not the angel; but her face, when I saw it just now upon its pillow, sent back all my soul in thought of one--one who is--who always was an angel--my good angel.” “That was my first thought too,” said Mrs. Crawford. “And her nature is the same. Only poor Daireen errs on the side of good nature. She is a child in her simplicity of thought about every one she meets. She wants some one near her who will be able to guide her tastes in--in--well, in different matters. By the way, you remember Austin Glaston, who was chaplain for a while on the _Telemachus_, and who got made Bishop of the Salamanders; well, that is his son, that tall handsome youngman--I must present you. He is one of the most distinguished men I ever met.” “Ah, indeed? Does he write for a newspaper?” “Oh, George, I am ashamed of you. No, Mr. Glaston is a--a--an artist and a poet, and--well, he does nearly everything much better than any one else, and if you take my advice you will give him an invitation to dinner, and then you will find out all.” Before Colonel Gerald could utter a word he was brought face to face with Mr. Glaston, and felt his grasp responded to by a gentle pressure. “I'm very glad to meet you, Mr. Glaston; your father and I were old friends. If you are staying at Cape Town, I hope you will not neglect to call upon my daughter and myself,” said the colonel. “You are extremely kind,” returned the young man: “I shall be delighted.” Thus Daireen on coming on deck found her father in conversation with Mr. Glaston, and already acquainted with every member of Mrs. Crawford's circle. “Mr. Glaston has just promised to pay you a visit on shore, my dear,” said the major's wife, as she came up.