"Well, now," he said, "what think you of this case? The skipper whom we rescued this afternoon, along with his wife, told me that he has been reduced to beggary. He owned the vessel which now lies out on the rocks there, a total wreck. It was his last venture. He had put all that he possessed into it, and not a scrap of the cargo will be saved. Having been a lucky man all his life previously, he said he had determined to `chance his luck' this time, and did not insure vessel or cargo: so that all is gone. His wife and several children are dependent on him. He has no relatives rich enough, or willing enough, to help him; and, poor fellow, he has received injuries while being rescued, which will probably render him helpless for the rest of his life. Now, do you think that good will come out of all that?" "I am _sure_ it will," returned Miss Millet confidently, "and good to _him_ too if he seeks it; though of course I know not how or when." "But why are you so sure?" "Because, Jeff, it is written that God does not `afflict the children of men willingly.' He does it for their good, and that good cannot fail of accomplishment, unless they refuse the good and choose the evil." Again Jeff became silent and thoughtful. "I have meditated much of late," he said, "about Captain Millet's adventure in China--" "By the way," interrupted Miss Millet, "that reminds me that the captain's little girl Rose--Rosebud, as he calls her--is to come here this very evening to stay with me for a week." "Indeed? that will be pleasant, auntie. I must come and see her as an old acquaintance." "Oh yes, you must, Jeff. You've no idea what a sweet girl she has become. I am quite charmed with her--so modest, and unselfish, and clever, and good, and--and, in short, I call her the four F's, for she is fair, fragile, fervent, and funny." "What a catalogue!" exclaimed the youth, laughing; "you may well be charmed with her. But what do you mean by funny? Does she try to make people laugh?" "Oh dear, no! In company she can scarce be made to speak at all, but she _is_ so fond of fun--has such a lively appreciation of humour, and laughs _so_ heartily. She has grown quite into a woman since I last saw her when her father went to sea. There she is!" Miss Millet sprang from her chair with the agility almost of a young woman, and ran to open the door, for a cab was heard pulling up in front of the cottage. There was a delighted little shriek from "Auntie!" and the warmest salutations of welcome; and the next moment Miss Millet, with the captain's daughter, arm in arm, embracing one another, entered the parlour. The coastguardsman was transfixed, for there, before him, flushed and panting, stood-- "A maid with eyes of heavenly blue, And rippling hair of golden hue; With parted lips of Coral too, Disclosing pearls--and--"