"I merely called--came here, I should say--in the hope of seeing the child, and knowing that she was well," said the captain. "I found her here the other night, and, though it is no business, of course, of mine, I feared that she was lonely, and, forgive me, perhaps neglected. I came here a few evenings ago, but was refused admittance." "You are a friend of--of Dr. Vernier's?" she hazarded. "No, not exactly a friend," replied the captain, diplomatically. "We--we have met--that is all. Are you the child's nurse?" The woman bent her head and stretched an arm out, and drew the child close against her. "I thought perhaps you might be a--a relative," ventured the captain, replacing his hat. "No," she replied, in a low voice, "I am not a relative. Dr. Vernier has engaged me chiefly to look after the child." "I am glad," said the captain, with awkward gallantry, "that she is in such good hands." The situation was becoming embarrassing; the captain knew that he had no earthly right there, and felt that he must withdraw his forces without delay. He stooped, and held his hand out to the child, who shyly took it; bade her "Good-night" with much gentleness, and turned and left the garden, followed by Comethup, who glanced back again and again at the little white figure walking with the woman in the direction of the house. Comethup was very serious indeed as they walked toward his father's house. This new figure in the story could not be dealt with with the ease with which a mere Blissett might be tackled. He saw a prospect of losing forever that little figure which had so strongly interested him. He expressed his fears tremblingly to the captain as he trotted beside him. "Shall we see her again, sir?" "Don't know, Comethup," replied the captain, dejectedly. "Direct attack has failed; stratagem has failed also. I'm afraid we can't do anything else to assist your little damsel in distress, Comethup." Comethup went to his bed, to dream that he went again to the garden, and found the gates fastened strongly against him; that he beat his hands against the bars of them, crying to the child to let him in, and to the captain to come with his sword and break the gates down. He awoke in the dark, with the tears still wet upon his cheeks, and cried himself to sleep again.