Upon this information, they instantly passed through the hall once more, and ran across the lawn after their father, who was deliberately pursuing his way towards a small wood on one side of the paddock.

     Jane, who was not so light nor so much in the habit of running as Elizabeth, soon lagged behind, while her sister, panting for breath, came up with him, and eagerly cried out:

     "Oh, papa, what news--what news? Have you heard from my uncle?"

     "Yes I have had a letter from him by express."

     "Well, and what news does it bring--good or bad?"

     "What is there of good to be expected?" said he, taking the letter from his pocket. "But perhaps you would like to read it."

     Elizabeth impatiently caught it from his hand. Jane now came up.

     "Read it aloud," said their father, "for I hardly know myself what it is about."

     "Gracechurch Street, Monday, August 2.

     "MY DEAR BROTHER,