68 J. COLE.

We were all thinking of going early to rest,
for since the robbery none of us had had any
real sleep. Suddenly the front door-bell rang
timidly, as if the visitor were not quite sure
of its being right to pull the handle.

“Perhaps that’s Joe,” said my sister.

But I knew Joe would not ring that bell.

We heard Mary open the door, and a man’s
voice ask if Mr: Aylmer lived there.

“Yes,” said Mary, “but he is abroad; but
you can see Mrs. Aylmer.”

Then came a low murmuring of voices, and
Mary came in, saying: —

“Oh, ma’am, it’s Dick, Joe’s brother; and
he says may he see you?”

“Send him in here at once,” I replied.

And in a moment Dick stood before me —
Dick, Joe’s beau-ideal of all that was good,
noble, and to be admired. JI must say the
mind-picture I had formed of Dick was totally
unlike the reality. I had expected to see a
sunburnt, big fellow, with broad shoulders and
expressive features.

The real Dick was a thin, delicate-looking
young man, with a pale face, and black straight