"`Mercy on me, it couldn't be--no, that's impossible,' muttered the old woman, as she opened the letter and took out a bank-note, which she crumpled up in her hand. She then commenced reading the letter; I walked a little way from her, and stood between her and the window. Every now and then she held the letter up to the candle, and when the light was strong upon it, I could read a line from where I stood, for I have been used to her ladyship's writing, as you know. One line I read was, `remains still at Culverwood Hall;' another was, `the only person now left in Essex.' I also saw the words `secrecy' and `ignorant' at the bottom of the page. The old woman finished the letter at last, but it took her a good while to get through it. "`Well,' says she, `have you anything more to say?' "`No,' says I; `you are well paid for your secrecy, Mrs Green.' "`What do you mean?' said she. "`Oh, I'm not quite so ignorant as you suppose,' replied I. "`Ignorant,' said she, confused, `ignorant of what?' "`When were you last in Essex?' said I. "`When, 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."