promenaders returned and found her lying back speechless in her chair,
the bottle and glass by her side; her eyes rolled wildly as she gazed
vacantly on her children, but she was unable to utter a word.

Miss Watson became alarmed and summoned a doctor immediately, who,
on entering the room, perceived at once the cause of Mrs. D'Alton's
malady, and ordered her to be conveyed to bed. In the morning she
was a little better, being able to speak; but she was still very
much shaken, and raved incoherently. Mr. D'Alton was telegraphed for,
and came immediately; but, being merely informed that his wife had
had a fit, he imagined her to be afflicted with hysteria; indeed,
although he knew she was fond of a glass of wine, and often joined
him in partaking of brandy and water, he had no idea that she
imbibed to such an extent.

In a few days Mrs. D'Alton was able to go out again, and, as during
her husband's stay at Orchard Beach she was particularly abstemious,
she was able to associate with the ladies in the hotel, and made
several acquaintances, who, seeing that she had the dress and
manners of a lady, interchanged calls with her and invited her to
visit them in Montreal. On her return to her home, however, these
ladies received her but coldly, and when she gave a large party,
inviting all those whom she had met at the seaside, "they all, with
one accord, began to make excuse," and at entertainment there was
present, besides herself and the family, only a sister of the
governess, and one or two bachelor friends of Mr. D'Alton. Dancing
was of course out of the question, so they organized two whist
parties, and, with a little music, managed to drag along till supper,
which was served in Joyce's best style, and looked unnecessarily
elaborate for the small number who were to partake of it.