"Most kindly, Morley."
"You think so, still," continued the young man.
"Yes. All the more kindly that you have not been favoured by fortune; papa is most generous," replied Ethel.
Morley did not feel quite persuaded of this, but replied:
"Bless him and you for this assurance, darling. Oh, Ethel, how charming your sweet English face seems to me! Do you know, dearest, that for three whole years I have never seen a white woman or a red cheek? But you have not told me about Rose—no husband yet?"
"She has lovers in plenty, and Jack Page is her adorer," said Ethel smiling; "but there is enough time for Rose to think of marrying. Besides——" but Miss Basset paused and sighed.
"True; she is two years younger than you, Ethel. But our marriage, my love, seems far, far off indeed. Oh, farther than ever! Your father——"
"Will welcome you warmly, of that be assured, but——"
"But what, Ethel? Something weighs upon your mind."
"Many misfortunes have come upon him, misfortunes which we could never have foreseen."