for one such as I to hope for Ottilia.  This looking at the roots of yourself, if you are possessed of a nobler half that will do it, is a sound corrective of an excessive ambition.  Unfortunately it would seem that young men can do it only in sickness.  With the use of my legs, and open-air breathing, I became compact, and as hungry and zealous on behalf of my individuality, as proud of it as I had ever been:  prouder and hungrier.

My first day of outing, when, looking at every face, I could reflect on the miraculous issue of mine almost clear from its pummelling, and above all, that my nose was safe—­not stamped with the pugilist’s brand—­ inspired a lyrical ebullition of gratitude.  Who so intoxicated as the convalescent catching at health?

I met Charles Etherell on the pier, and heard that my Parliamentary seat was considered in peril, together with a deal of gossip about my disappearance.

My father, who was growing markedly restless, on the watch for letters and new arrivals, started to pay Chippenden a flying visit.  He begged me urgently to remain for another few days, while he gathered information, saying my presence at his chief quarters did him infinite service, and I always thought that possible.  I should find he was a magician, he repeated, with a sort of hesitating fervour.

I had just waved my hand to him as the boat was bearing him away from the pier-head, when a feminine voice murmured in my ear, ’Is not this our third meeting, Mr. Harry Richmond?—­Venice, Elbestadt, and the Isle of Wight?’ She ran on, allowing me time to recognize Clara Goodwin.  ’What was your last adventure?  You have been ill.  Very ill?  Has it been serious?’

I made light of it.  ‘No:  a tumble.’

‘You look pale,’ she said quickly.

‘That’s from grieving at the loss of my beauty, Miss Goodwin.’

‘Have you really not been seriously ill?’ she asked with an astonishing eagerness.

I told her mock-loftily that I did not believe in serious illnesses coming to godlike youth, and plied her in turn with inquiries.

‘You have not been laid up in bed?’ she persisted.

‘No, on my honour, not in bed.’

‘Then,’ said she, ‘I would give much to be able to stop that boat.’

She amazed me.  ‘Why?’

‘Because it’s going on a bad errand,’ she replied.

‘Miss Goodwin, you perplex me.  My father has started in that boat.’

‘Yes, I saw him.’  She glanced hastily at the foam in a way to show indifference.  ’What I am saying concerns others . . . who have heard you were dangerously ill.  I have sent for them to hasten across.’

‘My aunt and Miss Ilchester?’

‘No.’

’Who are they?  Miss Goodwin, I’ll answer any question.  I’ve been queerish, that’s true.  Now let me hear who they are, when you arrived, when you expect them.  Where are they now?’