Aveline turned her eyes carelessly in the direction of the boat. "I dare say," she replied, "it belongs to the person who has taken the villa on the other side of the cliff. Mark said it had been let the other day. It would be a very convenient place for any one fond of boating." The boat, at length, neared the shore, and a man in a sailor's costume sitting idly in the stern, threw out a couple of dogs, who swam towards the land. Aveline, not sufficiently interested in their proceedings to continue watching them, turned slowly away, and loitered along the shore in an opposite direction. Meantime the dogs had come to land; and one of these, a setter of remarkable beauty after shaking the spray from his coat, ran prying along the shore, until upon reaching Aveline and her mother, he uttered a bark of recognition, and sprang fawning upon them. "Mamma!" exclaimed Aveline breathless with excitement, "look; it is Farfallo! How well I recollect him. See, he knows me! Don't you remember my naming him at Sorrento? Oh, I cannot be mistaken!" "Dear Aveline, it is very unlikely," said Mrs. Fitzpatrick. "No! I am sure--certain of it," cried Aveline, "how could I forget him?" Her agitation, the glow in her cheeks, the light in her eyes, as she stooped and caressed the dog with a delight that she took no pains to disguise, gave a hope to Mrs. Fitzpatrick that sent a thrill of pleasure through her heart. It was evident that Farfallo's master could not be far off. It was equally evident that Aveline had not forgotten him; all her illness might arise merely from depression of spirits, from that protracted hope, which while it makes sick the heart, seldom altogether spares the body. Doctors did make such extraordinary mistakes in people's complaints. Mr. Lindsay, though a very judicious man, was not infallible; and Mr. Haveloc once more thrown in Aveline's way. Her fancy was travelling very fast, when a voice, they both well knew, was heard calling Farfallo, coupled with a polite request, not proffered in the gentlest tones, that "the devil would fetch the dog." Some rocks were between them and the impatient owner. Farfallo sprang away. Aveline stood up with a bright smile. "So like him--so impatient!" she said, as if she were paying him a compliment. He came suddenly upon them. Mrs. Fitzpatrick turned quietly towards him, as if they had only parted yesterday. "We were to blame, Mr. Haveloc. We kept your dog," said she smiling. He stopped short in astonishment. "Mrs. Fitzpatrick! Is it possible?" he exclaimed. "How fortunate I esteem myself in meeting you again." "The surprise is all on your side," said Mrs. Fitzpatrick. "This dog of yours warned us of your near neighbourhood." "You remembered him then? I hope he has not bored you--he is so wet. And you, Miss Fitzpatrick, I trust you are quite recovered." Aveline made a slight bow, and smiled. Mrs. Fitzpatrick answered for her.