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A Tale of a Dry Plate.
319

With an inarticulate cry, I seized the intruder in my weakened grasp—it was my valet, who had accompanied me on my voyage out and home. I know not what I said to him, in my furious despair—the words, whatever they were, passed into forgetfulness as they were spoken.

"Sir, sir," said he, "I bring you great news. Miss Selby—Mrs. Selby. Their boat was picked up by a sailing ship. She encountered adverse winds, and only reached Plymouth yesterday—and—and—Miss Clara is here—and I have come to tell you so!"