know that Mrs. Wragge will prove a second time profitable to me on that elderly relative’s death.  But for this circumstance, I should probably long since have transferred my wife to the care of society at large—­in the agreeable conviction that if I didn’t support her, somebody else would.  Although I can’t afford to take this course, I see no objection to having her comfortably boarded and lodged out of our way for the time being—­say, at a retired farm-house, in the character of a lady in infirm mental health. You would find the expense trifling; I should find the relief unutterable.  What do you say?  Shall I pack her up at once, and take her away by the next coach?”

“No!” replied Magdalen, firmly.  “The poor creature’s life is hard enough already; I won’t help to make it harder.  She was affectionately and truly kind to me when I was ill, and I won’t allow her to be shut up among strangers while I can help it.  The risk of keeping her here is only one risk more.  I will face it, Captain Wragge, if you won’t.”

“Think twice,” said the captain, gravely, “before you decide on keeping Mrs. Wragge.”

“Once is enough,” rejoined Magdalen.  “I won’t have her sent away.”

“Very good,” said the captain, resignedly.  “I never interfere with questions of sentiment.  But I have a word to say on my own behalf.  If my services are to be of any use to you, I can’t have my hands tied at starting.  This is serious.  I won’t trust my wife and Mrs. Lecount together.  I’m afraid, if you’re not, and I make it a condition that, if Mrs. Wragge stops here, she keeps her room.  If you think her health requires it, you can take her for a walk early in the morning, or late in the evening; but you must never trust her out with the servant, and never trust her out by herself.  I put the matter plainly, it is too important to be trifled with.  What do you say—­yes or no?”

“I say yes,” replied Magdalen, after a moment’s consideration.  “On the understanding that I am to take her out walking, as you propose.”

Captain Wragge bowed, and recovered his suavity of manner.  “What are our plans?” he inquired.  “Shall we start our enterprise this afternoon?  Are you ready for your introduction to Mrs. Lecount and her master?”

“Quite ready.”

“Good again.  We will meet them on the Parade, at their usual hour for going out—­two o’clock.  It is no t twelve yet.  I have two hours before me—­just time enough to fit my wife into her new Skin.  The process is absolutely necessary, to prevent her compromising us with the servant.  Don’t be afraid about the results; Mrs. Wragge has had a copious selection of assumed names hammered into her head in the course of her matrimonial career.  It is merely a question of hammering hard enough—­nothing more.  I think we have settled everything now.  Is there anything I can do before two o’clock?  Have you any employment for the morning?”

“No,” said Magdalen.  “I shall go back to my own room, and try to rest.”