She stated her case. She had seen the advertisement, and had come to apply for the situation. She was accustomed to the office of sick-nurse, and considered herself fully qualified for it. Her statement was plain and straightforward--much more so than that of her predecessors. Dr. Oleander was inclined to be pleased, despite the green spectacles. "But I should wish you to go into the country--a very dull place indeed." The applicant folded her cotton gloves one over the other, and met the doctor's gaze with composed green glasses. "The country is no objection, sir. I'm used to quiet, and all places are alike to me." "You have your credentials with you, I suppose?" "I have, sir. Here they are." She handed two or three certificates of capability to the toxicologist. He glanced them lightly over, and saw that Mrs. Susan Sharpe was all that heart could desire in the way of sick-nurse. "These are satisfactory," handing them back. "But I have one fact to mention that may discourage you: the lady--the patient--is insane." Mrs. Susan Sharpe heard this startling statement without moving a muscle of her dull, white face. "Indeed, sir! A violent lunatic, sir?" "Oh, dear, no! merely insane. Subject to occasional fits of violence, you understand, but quiet generally. But even in her most violent fits she would be nothing in your hands--a strong, large woman like you. She is little more than a child in years, and quite a child in weakness. If you don't mind the dullness of the country, you would suit admirably, I think." "I don't in the least mind, sir. The situation will suit me very well." "I am very glad to hear it," said the doctor, immensely relieved. "We may consider it a bargain, then?" "If you please, sir," rising quietly. "When will you want me to go?" "To-morrow morning. By the way, Mrs. Sharpe," said the doctor, eying the obnoxious lunettes, "why do you wear green glasses?" "My eyes are weak, sir." Mrs. Sharpe removed the spectacles as she spoke, and displayed a pair of dull gray eyes with very pink rims. "The light affects them. I hope my glasses are no objection, sir?" "Oh, not in the least! Excuse my question. Very well, then, Mrs. Sharpe; just give me your address, and I'll call round for you to-morrow forenoon." Mrs. Sharpe gave him the street and number--a dirty locality near the East River. Dr. Oleander "made a note of it," and the new nurse made her best obeisance and departed. And, to inform Mme. Blanche of his success in this matter, Dr. Guy presented himself at the Walraven mansion just as the misty twilight was creeping out and the stars and street lamps were lighting up. He found the lady, as usual, beautiful and elegant, and dressed to perfection, and ready to receive him alone in the drawing-room. "I've been seriously anxious about you, Guy," Mrs. Walraven said. "Your prolonged absence nearly gave me a nervous fit. I had serious ideas of calling at your office this afternoon. Why were you not here sooner?"