We did so when our poor child whom we lost was born" (the tears rushed into Mrs.Dale's eyes); "and I fear that Charles still insures his life for my sake, though Heaven knows that--that--" The tears burst out.

That little heart, quick and petulant though it was, had not a fibre of the elastic muscular tissues which are mercifully bestowed on the hearts of predestined widows.

Dr.Riccabocca could not pursue the subject of life insurances further.

But the idea--which had never occurred to the foreigner before, though so familiar with us English people when only possessed of a life income--pleased him greatly.

I will do him the justice to say that he preferred it to the thought of actually appropriating to himself and to his child a portion of Miss Hazeldean's dower.
Shortly afterwards he took his leave, and Mrs.Dale hastened to seek her husband in his study, inform him of the success of her matrimonial scheme, and consult him as to the chance of the squire's acquiescence therein.