"Knew it! In course I knew it. Esmeralda showed it to me before ever she quitted Manchester. Showed me the letters traced on the inner side of it. I'd seen her often after she grew up, unbeknown to old Mrs. Garside, and I'd made myself known to her. At first she was fleyed of me; but blood's thicker than water. She told me, too, the young master was courting her, but his mother would never consent. There was some talk of another woman they'd planned for him. I disremember exactly, but it'll come back to me, maybe to-morrow. Give me another sup of summat, Miriam--my head's that wammy, un' it's desperate cold. I think I could sleep now I've said my say; and oh! Abel Holmes, yo'n lifted a load off my old heart to-night. Yon tutor's a deal to answer for, aye an' her, too, 'at set him on to do her dirty work for her. The black lie of him killed my bairn and soured my whole life for me. I'd have been a better woman but for that. I think I should like to see your feyther, Abel, afore aw dee. Happen yo'll bring him to me. It's mony a weary year sin' these owd lips said a prayer an' these owd ears han hearkened to more curses nor blessin's. But aw'n tried to shelter Miriam, hannot aw, lass? It's noan so easy to fetch up a young an' pratty wench among th' Burnplatters i' th' way she should go. But aw'n done mi best, aw' done mi best." Miriam now was on her knees by the bedside, and she had the old dame's hand pressed to her own sweet breast, and the tears fell upon it from her streaming eyes. "Don't talk like that, granny. You've been all the world to me, dear heart, till--till Abel came. I always knew you loved me, granny, and I've loved you always. Only get well, granny, be quick and get well, and we'll think nothing good enough for you. Aye, close your dear eyes, granny, sleep now. Go home, now, Abel, she's talked too much. Come again tomorrow night if you can." She did not rise from her knees. I stooped and kissed her upturned face, and stole softly out of the cottage.