"Don't be afraid, I am in my senses,"
"Then he must be in love with me," thought Mrs. Taunton, in dismay at this eccentric young man; but his next remark caused her to alter her mind.
"You have a brother?" he said, abruptly.
"Yes," she replied, rather puzzled, "I have one brother. I think he is out in Australia. Why," a sudden light breaking in on her, "have you met him?"
"I think so."
"What is he doing?" she asked, eagerly.
Ronald parried the question.
"I don't know," he replied; "but I'll tell you all about him to-morrow."
"Is he ill, or in trouble?" she said, quickly. "Please tell me, because I am very--very fond of him."
"Mrs. Taunton," he said, quietly, "I am come here for a purpose."