The Beautiful Wretch; The Pupil of Aurelius; and The Four Macnicols

me unusually, and, as some thought, dangerously close in shore; and no doubt she looked even larger than she really was, for she had every stitch of canvas set, from h

from the rapidity with which she began to furl her sails-letting the golden light shine along between her spars; while they furt

Brunswick Terrace. These were five-a mother, son, and three daughters; and as they will all appear, more

y of the cares and troubles of this wearyful world. For how could she submit to any discomfort or privation (the family were not very well off for their station in life); or how could she receive objectionable visitors, or investigate cases of harrowing distress, or remonstrate with careless l

lear-cut English type, cold and even proud in manner, strict in the performance of all her duties, and not very charitable in her criticism of others. She had a good figure; she dresse

expression, and a beseeching innocent look. She was fond of music; played and sang very fairly herself; but she was most admirable as a listener. In a room filled with half-murmuring people, she alone remained mute and devoted; her chair drawn close to the piano; her fo

ve seen, she was at this moment away out on the downs, marching

, to the infinite annoyance of his mother. He was an exceedingly handsome boy of about eighteen, slightly built, tall, and dressed with an elaborate precision. The lad was clever enough, and good-natured enough, but he had been spoiled all his life long-first by his sisters, and then by the men who wanted to marry his

y on the window-panes, watching this

that distressing noise,' said hi

hrumming and to

ry to pick up new airs. You can't do it. Why don't you ke

her chair in which she was reading, and, in so doing, came i

ed, 'what a beaut

e window shrugg

e a fool,' he

ou,' she

tance. 'And what's more, I hope the fellow knows where he's coming to. I don't

ould make observations; perhaps, if need were, he might put off

suddenly, 'a light strikes

s name at that distance,' said the elde

, coolly. 'What's more, I can tell you the name of her commanding

with but little intere

ass raised. 'Nails, you'd better hide that novel, and pretend you've been sewing. Beauty [this was an

ing your sisters with more resp

e-and-twenty, commanding a ten-gun brig! He has brains, that chap; not like the others that come fooling a

er, 'I suppose you'll be commanding one of her M

all crushed

ass, 'are, I know, remarkable; but I think, on the wh

ning to the fiddling on the forecastle, where the men were dancing. But the interest of the Beresfords was concentrated rather on the gig that waited below, at the foot of the accommodation-ladder, with five blue-jackets in her. They saw an offi

ing. Lawks-a-mussy! a court-martial. Even your first-class certificates, and Sir George Stratherne, and all the Lords put together, couldn't get you out of that. And, then, the ignominy

oom!' said his mothe

; he had to go. But he s

in something serious. Her Majesty's brig Fly-

uld have seemed to most a manly-looking, well-built young fellow, who had some decision in his face, and a very straightforward way of looking at people. He was of middle height, slight and square-shouldered; his forehead square; his hair black, likewise the short moustache twisted at the ends; while his eyes were of that singularly dark and luminous blue that one never sees, odd

sford and her daughters, and sat down, there was a distinct

sford-Admiral Stratherne told me-and I had a telegram to send off; so

tigue and worry of the railway stations and hotels. But the girls are going-by themselves. It is becoming quite

Miss Beresford, staring into the

aid the grave y

g! She has a great capacity for wonder and admiration; sh

orge recently, then?'

eek. They were all do

ld gentleman h

eman in her Majesty's service-and that's not saying

of his,' said Miss Be

needn't imagine it is because of that I respe

at made Miss Beresford regard him for a second with almost wondering eyes. She had ne

as too languid. Beauty had got into an effective position, and was cont

ur ship into these shallow waters. Tom-my brother Tom, you know-is v

g, with befitting gravity, 'but I do not think we

rse than ever. I wish you could tak

fine down? Well, you're right about one thing; there's some good stuff in th

dance at all,' s

ng abroad

with us girls. He will see us as far as Newhaven, perhap

bout this young lieutenant's manner. He seemed to be thinking of something or

mber I think we shal

ar?' he said, in the

d then over the Splügen, when it

And then he added, afte

he

be off directly. Some other time, perhaps. It would give me very great pleasure, indeed. I hope, Miss Beresford, you will have a pleasant

ilent until they saw him cross over the King

a sailor at all,' said

just lik

ty, warmly. 'He has the loveliest eyes I ever saw

Lieutenant King before, but had heard of him, and was disappointed

ar better on blue than

looks better than any

ingle wonderful story,

a

l. She glanced at her mother, and laughed. 'Mo