"I daresay you hardly remember me, Miss," he said, rising as I entered; "but my name is Leaven: I lived coachman with Mrs. Reed when you were at Gateshead, eight or nine years since, and I live there still."

     "Oh, Robert! how do you do? I remember you very well: you used to give me a ride sometimes on Miss Georgiana's bay pony. And how is Bessie? You are married to Bessie?"

     "Yes, Miss: my wife is very hearty, thank you; she brought me another little one about two months since--we have three now--and both mother and child are thriving."

     "And are the family well at the house, Robert?"

     "I am sorry I can't give you better news of them, Miss: they are very badly at present--in great trouble."

     "I hope no one is dead," I said, glancing at his black dress. He too looked down at the crape round his hat and replied--

     "Mr. John died yesterday was a week, at his chambers in London."

     "Mr. John?"

     "Yes."