CHAPTER XX.
The Mother-in-Law.
Strong as the impression was which Captain Bennydeck had produced on Randal, Mrs.Presty's first words dismissed it from his mind.

She asked him if he had any message for his brother.
Randal instantly looked at the clock.

"Has Catherine not sent to the farm, yet ?" he asked in astonishment.
Mrs.Presty's mind seemed to be absorbed in her daughter.

"Ah, poor Catherine! Worn out with anxiety and watching at Kitty's bedside.

Night after night without any sleep; night after night tortured by suspense.
As usual, she can depend on her old mother for sympathy.