My father, Colonel Fortescue, dying in India, she could not bear to remain there, but we were compelled to take refuge off the coast of Wales from the storms which had arisen, and then she had only time to give us to the care of her sister, for whom she had sent, and died in her arms." "And is it her sister, or your father's, of whom you spoke just now ?" "Hers--Mrs.Hamilton." "Hamilton, and she lives still! you said you knew her," repeated Mordaunt, suddenly springing up and speaking in a tone of animation, that bewildered Edward almost as much as his former agitation.

"Speak of her, young man; tell me something of her.

Oh, it is long since I have heard her name." "Did you know my aunt?
I have never heard her mention your name, Lieutenant Mordaunt." "Very likely not," he replied, and a faint smile played round his lip, creating an expression which made young Fortescue start, for the features seemed familiar to him.

"It was only in my boyhood that I knew her, and she was kind to me.

We do not easily forget the associations of our boyhood, my young friend, particularly when manhood has been a dreary blank, or tinged with pain.