“Dear boy!” returned Eugene with a smile, “we both thank you heartily. Lizzie, tell them how welcome they are, and that I would be eloquent if I could.”

“There is no need,” said Mr. Milvey. “We know it. Are you better, Mr. Wrayburn?”

“I am much happier,” said Eugene.

“Much better too, I hope?”

Eugene turned his eyes towards Lizzie, as if to spare her, and answered nothing.