‘I think I did,’ said Winifred; ’at least he said “poor Ellen” once or twice.  I don’t want him to do anything for the captain, you might give him a thousand pounds and he would never be the better for it:  but that fourth, boy, Ulick, is without exception the nicest fellow I ever saw in my life—­so devoted to his mother, so much more considerate and self-denying than any of the others, and very clever.  Maurice examined him and was quite astonished.  We did get him sent to St. Columba for the present, but whether they will keep him there no one can guess, and it is the greatest pity he should run to waste.  I told Mr. Goldsmith all this, and I really think he seemed to attend.  I wonder if it will work.’

Albinia was by this time anxious that it should take effect, and they agreed that an old bachelor banker and his sister, both past sixty, were the very people to adopt a promising nephew.

What had become of the multitude of things which Albinia had to discuss with her brother?  The floodtide of bliss had floated her over all the stumbling-blocks and shoals that the ebb had disclosed, and she had absolutely forgotten all the perplexities that had seemed so trying.  Even when she sought a private interview to talk to him about Gilbert, it was in full security of hearing the praises of her darling.

‘A nice boy, a very nice boy,’ returned Maurice; ’most amiable and intelligent, and particularly engaging, from his feeling being so much on the surface.’

‘Nothing can be more sincere and genuine,’ she cried, as if this fell a little flat.

‘Certainly not, at the time.’

‘Always!’ exclaimed Albinia.  ’You must not distrust him because he is not like you or Fred, and has never been hardened and taught reserve by rude boys.  Nothing was ever more real than his affection, poor dear boy,’ and the tears thrilled to her eyes.

’No, and it is much to his credit.  His love and gratitude to you are quite touching, poor fellow; but the worst of it is that I am afraid he is very timid, both physically and morally.’

Often as she had experienced this truth, the soldier’s daughter could not bear to avow it, and she answered hastily, ’He has never been braced or trained; he was always ill till within the last few years—­ coddling at first, neglect afterwards, he has it all to learn, and it is too late for school.’

’Yes, he is too old to be laughed at or bullied out of cowardice.  Indeed, I doubt whether there ever would have been substance enough for much wear and tear.’

’I know you have a turn for riotous, obstinate boys!  You want Willie to be another Fred,’ said Albinia, like an old hen, ruffling up her feathers.  ’You think a boy can’t be good for anything unless he is a universal plague!’

‘I wonder what you will do with your own son,’ said Maurice, amused, ‘since you take Gilbert’s part so fiercely.’

‘I trust my boy will never be as much to be pitied as his brother,’ said Albinia, with tenderness that accused her petulance.  ’At least he can never be a lonely twin with that sore spot in his heart.  Oh, Maurice, how can any one help dealing gently with my poor Gibbie?’