en, why? what's that to you, you impudent boy?'

"`Nay, then, I'll put another question to you. How long is it since you
were at Culverwood Hall?'

"`Culverwood Hall! What do you know about Culverwood Hall? the boy's
mad, I believe; go away, you've done your message; if you don't, I'll
tell her ladyship.'

"`Certainly, Mrs Green,' said I. `I wish you a good-night.'

"I left the room, slamming the door, but not allowing the catch to fall
in, so that I held it a little ajar, and then I heard Mrs Green say to
the other woman,

"`Somebody's been with that boy; I wonder who it can be? He's put me in
such a flurry. Well, these things will out.'

"`Yes, yes, it's like murder,' replied the other; `not that I know what
it's all about, only I see there's a secret--perhaps you'll tell me,
Mrs Green?'

"`All I dare tell you is that there is a secret,' replied Mrs Green,
`and the boy has got an inkling of it somehow or another. I must see my
lady--no, I had better not,' added she; `for she is so queer that she'll
swear that I've told him. Now there's only one besides myself and her
ladyship who knows anything, and I'll swear that he could not have been
with the boy, for he's bedridden. I'm all of a puzzle, and that's the
truth. What a wind there is; why the boy has left the door open. Boys
never shut doors.'

"Mrs Green got up and slammed the door to, and I walked off; and now,
Miss Valerie, that's all that I know of the matter; but why I should be
sent to a good school and wear pepper and salt, and to be taken away to
be made first a page, and now a footman, I can't tell; but you must
acknowledge that there is some mystery, after what I have told you."

"It certainly is strange, Lionel," replied I, "but my advice is that you
remain patiently till you can find it out, which by leaving Lady R--you
are not likely to do."

"I don't know that, Miss Valerie; let me get down to Culverwood Hall,
and I think I would find out something, or my wits were given me to no
purpose. But I hear her ladyship coming upstairs: so good-bye, Miss
Valerie."

And Lionel made a hasty retreat.

Lady R--slowly ascended the stairs, and came into the room. Her
violence had been exhausted, but she looked sullen and moody, and I
could hardly recognise her; for I must do her the justice to say, that I
had never before seen her out of temper. She sat down in her chair, and
I asked her whether I should bring her her writing materials.