He seems to have seen at once exactly what line to take.

To put it cynically, I imagine he argued something like this: "Beauty extraordinary--character everything that could be desired--talent not much.

So that the things to stake on are the beauty and the character, and let the talent take care of itself." Anyhow, he got her on to the Kingston theatre--a poor little place enough--and he and the aunt, that sour-looking creature you saw with her, looked after her like dragons.

Naturally, she was soon the talk of Kingston: what with her looks and her grace and the difficulty of coming near her, the whole European society, the garrison, Government House, and all, were at her feet.

Then the uncle played his cards for a European engagement.