In a short time Fanny was deserted by her worthless husband. Not many months had passed away before she received the announcement of his death in a duel. That very evening her child Harry was born. She never quite recovered from the shock she had received. Sad and dreary were the weeks she passed. No one called on her, for though it was known that Major Tryon was married, people were not aware that his young widow was residing at Sea View Cottage, which, standing at a distance from any high road, few of them ever passed. Her little boy was her great consolation. All her affections were centred in him. Her only visitor was good Dr. Jessop, the chief medical practitioner at Lynderton. She called him in on one occasion when Harry was ill. There was not much the matter with the child, but he saw at once that the mother far more required his aid. There was a hectic flush on her cheek, a brightness in her eye, and a short cough which at once alarmed him, and he resolved to keep Master Harry on the sick list, that he might have a better excuse for going over to see the poor young widow. CHAPTER THREE. THE HERO'S EARLY DAYS, AND A DESCRIPTION OF A LADY OF QUALITY. Roger Kyffin heard of Major Tryon's death soon after it occurred. He was afraid that Fanny might be left badly off, and he considered how he could with the greatest delicacy assist her. He would not intrude on her grief, but he thought that he might employ some person in the neighbourhood who would act as agent to take care that she was supplied with every comfort. That evening he was travelling down in the mail coach to Lynderton. He knew his way to the cottage as well as anybody in the place. Near it was a little inn, to which he had his carpet bag conveyed. Here he took up his abode. He felt a satisfaction in being near her, but was nervous lest by any means she should find out that he was in the neighbourhood. He soon discovered that Dr. Jessop drove by every day and visited the cottage, and he resolved, therefore, to stop the doctor and introduce himself as a friend of Mrs. Tryon's family. If he found him a trustworthy and sensible person, he would employ him as his agent in affording the assistance he wished to render the widow. He saw him, and was satisfied that Dr. Jessop was just the person he hoped to find. "I have had a long round of visits," said the worthy practitioner, "and would gladly put up my horse at the inn and talk the matter over with you." They were soon seated together in the little parlour allotted to Mr. Kyffin. His wishes were easily explained. "My interesting patient will, I am sure, feel grateful for the sympathy and assistance of her unknown friend," said the doctor; "but to be frank with you, Mr. Kyffin, I fear she will not enjoy it for many years. I believe that her days are numbered--" He stopped suddenly, observing Roger Kyffin's countenance.