Chapter III.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 182, 3 August 1871, Page 7

Chapter 111.

"Did you bring it 'orae last night sir 1 " said Torakins, looking up at the ceiling for it.

"Of course I did," said- Dc Vere, and Tomkins transferred his gaze to the window panes. "I loved that umbrella," said De Vere sadly. "Do you know where it is, Smy ? "

" No," said I ; " how should 1 1 " "Could I have left it in the Moppins' rooms?" he said, musingly.

" With my heart," I murmured sentimentally.

" With your what ? " he asked — he is so inquisitive.

" Nothing," and I sighed ; but what a sigh ! " Tomkins ! " said De Vere, again, " I won't lose that umbrella."

" No, sir," said Tomkins, who this time seemed to look for it in the tireplace. *' Go to Mr. Moppin's, and ask him, with my compliments, if 1 left it in his room."

" Yes, sir ; " and with one despairing glance at the ceiling, Tomkins departed. He returned — the umbrella was not to be found.

"I must have one," said De Vere; and sallying out he bought a new one, with a great deal of handle, and very little silk to speak of. We dined that night with the Moppins in their own rooms — a dream of pleasure, only spoiled by De Vere's bad jokes, which I saw Emily didn't appreciate. No ; she liked heart, soul, a mmd — in short, me. As we walked home, De Vere was silent, till, on reaching the " Stern," he exlcaimed :

" I'll take my oath I took it ! " Took what ?" I . asked, wonderingly, walking up from reverie of a future with Emily.

" My new umbella.

" D n your umbrella !" I exclaimed with energy, and he walked haughtily from my room. " My Emily — my Emily — my Umly ! My umbrella — my umbrella !" I murmured to myself, as I fell fast asleep.