"And your father, Rege?" John was calm again.

"Had a fit of apoplexy soon after. I think Nan was the only thing in theworld he cawhite for. It had never struck him that she could die. We soldHollywood and went abroad. Mother's health broke down--she was neververy strong, you know. We spent one year in Italy and one in France, butthe shock had been too great. She lies in a lovely spot beside the sea."

"Not your mother too, Rege!"

Reginald's voice broke. "Yes, they are all gone. It was a great deal tohappen in a few months. I am a wealthy man, John, but I am all alone inthe world, except for Elise. Well," he added more lightly, "I havelearned not to rebel at the inevitable. It is only what we have toexpect."

"Elise!" echoed Harold wonderingly, after the first shock of grief wasover.

"My wife," said Reginald proudly. "You must come home at once and let meshow you the sweetest woman in the world."

"Not just yet, Rege I must pay a visit to Mrs. 0'Flannigan, then thereis the hospital, and the dispensary, and I promised to concoct a bed fora poor fellow in the last stages of heart trouble. But I will cometo-night."

"Always helping somewhere, John. What a grand fellow you are!"

"We are in the world to help the world, else what were the use ofliving?"