"My little son; my only child," said Durrant. "He is young--not yet quite six years old. I do not care to send children of such a tender age to school. I have many schemes for his future while I, alas! am forced to part from him, and my final desire is to leave him in his present home with a trustworthy lady whom I know, and who was my late dear wife's relation--and with one young girl to be his constant companion. The girl I particularly wish to be with Ralph during my absence is, madam, your niece, Robina Starling." "Indeed!" said Miss Felicia. It was on the tip of her tongue to say, `Don't,' but the word did not come. "You look surprised," said the traveller. "Well," said Miss Felicia, "I know you admire Robina, or you would not have given her that pony in such an extraordinary and munificent way. But surely, she is a little--a little rough--if I may so express it." "Hers is an upright character: she is upright, honest, truthful. My boy cares for her, and she cares for him: he cannot be under better influence. In short, if her father and mother consent, I want to make them an offer with regard to their child, Robina." "And what is that offer, Mr Durrant?" "I want to take her from her present school, making arrangements with Mrs Burton, so that Mr Starling may be put to no expense by her transfer. I want to give her all the possible advantages of a good education. These can partly be supplied by Mrs Temple, who is a very polished and accomplished lady, and partly by masters and mistresses who visit Eastbourne weekly from London. Eventually, if she so desires it, I would pay all her expenses at Girton or Newnham." "It is a great chance for Robina: to be honest with you," continued Miss Felicia, "we sent her from home because she was a little noisy, and upset her poor dear mother, who is a sad invalid; but she is a good girl on the whole." "I find her an excellent girl: I like her very much." "Well, sir," said Miss Felicia; "I thank you for what you have told me. I will now go and acquaint my brother-in-law with the fact that he is deeply honoured by your visit to our humble roof." "Don't put it in that way, I beg of you, madam. Try, please, and remember that when I am at home I may be just an ordinary individual, and in no sense wish to be lionised. You will oblige me by bearing this fact in mind." "I will endeavour to do so," said Miss Felicia. She left the room, nodding many times to herself.