for many generations, uncommon acts
of kindness had passed between that family of yeomen and the knights and
squires of Raby.

"And now, dear, I am going to be very foolish. But, if these Dences
are as great favorites with him as they were with my father, she could
easily get you into the house some day, when he is out hunting; and I do
want you to see one thing more before you come back from Cairnhope--your
mother's picture. It hangs, or used to hang, in the great dining-room,
nearly opposite the fire-place.

"I blush at my childishness, but I SHOULD like my child to see what his
mother was when she brought him into the world, that sad world in which
he has been her only joy and consolation.

"P. S.--What an idea! Turn that dear old church into a factory! But you
are a young man of the day. And a wonderful day it is; I can not quite
keep up with it."

"DEAR MOTHER,--I have been there. Mr. Raby is a borough magistrate, as
well as a county justice; and was in Hillsborough all day to-day. Martha
Dence took me to Raby Hall, and her name was a passport. When I got to
the door, I felt as if something pulled me, and said, 'It's an enemy's
house; don't go in.' I wish I had obeyed the warning; but I did not.

"Well, I have seen your portrait. It is lovely, it surpasses any woman I
ever saw. And it must have been your image, for it is very like you now,
only in the bloom of your youth.

"And now, dear mother, having done something for you, quite against my
own judgment, and my feelings too, please do something for me. Promise
me never to mention Mr. Raby's name to me again, by letter, or by word
of mouth either. He is not a gentleman: he is not a man; he is a mean,
spiteful, cowardly cur. I'll keep out of his way, if I can; but if he
gets in mine, I shall give him a devilish good hiding, then and there,
and I'll tell HIM the reason why; and I will not tell YOU.

"Dear mother, I did intend to stay till Saturday, but, after this, I
shall come back to you to-morrow. My own sweet dove of a mammy; who but
a beast could hurt or affront you?

"So no more letters from your dutiful and affectionate son,

"Harry."

Next day young Little took leave of his friends in Cairnhope, with a
promise to come over some Sunday, and see them all. He borrowed a hooked
stick of his devotee, the blacksmith, and walked off with his little
bundle over his shoulder, in high health and spirits, and ripe for any
thing.

Some successful men