t respect ourselves
and each other no one a'n't a going to respect us.

"And talking of that, what do you think Hezekiah Greenfield, the
landlord of the Reindeer, went and done to me last week?

"Why, he came over and asked me could I supply his tavern with
fruits and vegetables during the summer season at the market
price, saying--quite as if he was a making of me a kind proposal
instead of offering of me a black insult--that he'd rather deal
with me, and I should have his money, than any one else, if so be
I was willing to do business.

"Now what do you think I answered him?

"Why, I set the bull-dog on him! I did that! And it was good for
him as he scrambled up on his horse and made off double-quick, or
he'd been torn to pieces before you could say Jack Robinson.

"That'll learn the tavern-keeper to insult a gentleman next time
by offering to buy his garden stuff!

"But what I'm writing to you for, my dear, now, is this. I think
you ought to come to see us, anyhow. You must come, if it's only
for two or three days, to see your old grandmother, and all your
relations, and to meet Alden, who is here, as I said. I have sent
Taters on horseback with a led horse and a side-saddle for you.
Come back along of him to-morrow morning. And give my honorable
compliments to the old madam and Miss Cavendish. Because, mind
you, I'm not a saying as the Cavendishers a'n't a good,
respectabil family; only I do say as they are not so good as the
Lyttonses, and they never was and never will be; and they know it
themselves, too. Well, your dear grandma, and your dear aunties
and cousins, all sends their love to you, with many good wishes.
So no more at present from your affeckshunit uncle,

"JOHN LYTTON."

CHAPTER IV.

THE GHOST SEEN BY "TATERS."

He shuddered, as no doubt the bravest cowers,
When he can't tell what 'tis that doth appall.
How odd a single hobgoblin's nonentity
Should cause more fear than a whole host's identity.
--BYRON.

"Emma, dear, I have a letter from Uncle John Lytton," said Laura,
gravely, going to the side of her friend.

"I hope they are all well at Lytton Lodge," responded Emma.

"Oh, yes, thank you, they are all quite well; but," added Laura, with a
sigh, "Uncle John has written to me to come at once and pay them a
visit. And to l