odoubt,”Ithought,andrandownstairswithoutinquiry.Iassingtheback-parlourorteachers’sitting-room,thedoorofwhichen,togotothekit,whensomeoneranout—

    “It’sher,Iamsure!—Icouldhavetoldheranywhere!”criedtheindividualwhostoppedmyprogressandtookmyhand.

    Ilooked:Isawawomanattiredlikeawell-dressedservant,matronly,yetstillyoung;verygood-looking,withblackhairandeyes,andlivelyplexion.

    “Well,whoisit?”sheasked,inavoidwithasmileIhalfreised;“you’venotquitefottehink,MissJane?”

    InanothersedIwasembragandkissingherrapturously:“Bessie!Bessie!Bessie!”thatwasallIsaid;whereatshehalflaughed,halfcried,ahwentintotheparlour.Bythefirestoodalittlefellowofthreeyearsold,inplaidfrodtrousers.

    “Thatismylittleboy,”saidBessiedirectly.

    “Thenyouaremarried,Bessie?”

    “Yes;nearlyfiveyearssioRobertLeaven,thean;andI’vealittlegirlbesidesBobbythere,thatI’vechristenedJane.”

    “Andyoudon’tliveatGateshead?”

    “Iliveatthelodge:theoldporterhasleft.”

    “Well,andhowdotheyallgeton?Tellmeeverythingaboutthem,Bessie:butsitdownfirst;and,Bobby,eandsitonmyknee,willyou?”butBobbypreferredsidliohismother.

    “You’renotgrowall,MissJane,norsoverystout,”tinuedMrs.Leaven.“Idaresaythey’veyoutoowellatsissReedistheheadandshoulderstallerthanyouare;andMissGeianawouldmaketwoofyouih.”

    “Geianaishandsome,Isuppose,Bessie?”

    “Very.ShewentuptoLondonlastwihhermama,andthereeverybodyadmiredher,andayounglordfellihher:buthisrelationswereagainstthematd—whatdoyouthink?—heandMissGeianamad