"You are as tiresome as ever," said Aveline. "I have gained strength, spirits, and appetite!" "What did you eat for breakfast?" asked Mr. Lindsay suddenly. "Oh! breakfast. That is never a good meal with me. I could eat half a chicken for dinner," said Aveline, still laughing. "Well, I suppose you want me to send you some medicine," said Mr. Lindsay, taking up his hat; "people are never contented without it, whether they need it or not." "But do I not need it?" asked Aveline. "No." "What shall I take for my cough then?" "Cherries, shrimps, tamarinds, whatever you like." "And why are you running away?" "Because I am going to see a woman who really wants me and my physic." "Anybody I know?" "A Mrs. Brand. I cannot tell how far your circle of acquaintance may extend." "To be sure I know her. Brand's wife mamma! She is always sickly. Do you think her worse?" "Why, yes--rather." "And will she get well?" "Perhaps. I am doubtful about it." "Oh, dear! with all those poor little children." "She would be much more likely to get well without the poor little children." "And what could we send her that would be of use?" "Chicken broth, port wine, brandy, if she could keep it from her husband." "Oh, yes! he is a very good man. He never drinks." "Excellent. Good bye to you," and the doctor stepped out upon the terrace. Mrs. Fitzpatrick followed him. "What do you think of her, Mr. Lindsay?" she asked. "I hardly know yet. I am not quite satisfied with her pulse; but I must see her when she has recovered the fatigue of her journey." "And have you no advice to give me in the meantime?" "Care--care--care. You know my axiom," said the doctor as he mounted his horse. "A better one I warrant, than that of Demosthenes." "But you are really oracular this morning." "Keep her mind quiet," said Mr. Lindsay gathering up the bridle, "and if she cries for the moon, let her have it." And having given utterance to this easy and infallible receipt, galloped off. Yes, it was very pleasant to be told that she must keep her daughter's mind quiet, when she had just learned that Aveline was engaged in one long hopeless struggle against an attachment that had never been declared, or sought, or requited. It had often crossed her mind at Sorrento, that Mr. Haveloc must admire her daughter; but she had never alluded to the subject, even in jest; because hers was a mind to treat all grave matters gravely; and because she did not think it very conducive to the delicacy of a young girl to jest with her upon the impression she might have made upon a man, particularly while the fact was yet uncertain. And she believed that Aveline never gave him a thought; nor did she herself, farther than she need, take any trouble to keep them out of each other's way, because there would be no reason to object to it, if they should take a fancy to each other.