Without answering her he remained standing on the hearth-rug.
"And I like you better than I did," she said, shyly; "perhaps, when I get quite wise, you will tell me all your secrets?"
"Perhaps," he said, calmly.
She smiled her own sweet, mischievous smile, and, waving her hand to him, hurried up-stairs. He stood intently listening until the sound of her light footstep had died away; then picking up the gloves and the lace handkerchief that she had dropped, he pressed them to his lips, and late as it was, threw himself in a chair by the table, and sat staring intently at them. Some trouble threatened his young wife, and, resourceful and clear-headed as he was, his knotted brow showed that he saw but little chance of averting it.
CHAPTER X.
A REFORM IN THE BILL OF FARE.
"Justin," said Captain White, a few days later, "that child is starving herself."
The two men had just left the house, and were on their way to the town.
"I know," said Justin, in a puzzled voice, "and I am wondering what to do."