him if the jungle fever had not assisted. Captain Crewe is dead!”
Miss Minchin dropped into her chair again. The words he had spoken filled her with alarm.
“What WERE his business troubles?” she said. “What WERE they?”
“Diamond mines,” answered Mr. Barrow, “and dear friends—and ruin.”
Miss Minchin lost her breath.
“Ruin!” she gasped out.
“Lost every penny. That young man had too much money. The dear friend was mad on the subject of the diamond mine. He put all his own money into it, and all
years old, but was so stunted in growth that she looked about twelve. In truth, Mariette was sorry for her. She was so timid that if one chanced to speak to her it appeared as if her poor, frightened eyes would jump out of her head.
“What is her name?” asked Sara, who had sat by the table, with her