"What's the word with you, Clam?"

"'Tain't with me -- the word's with you, Mr. Winthrop."

"What is it?"

"I don' know, sir. I've nothin' to do but to bring it."

"How do you do this cold day?"

"_I_ ain't cold," said Clam. "I bethought me to put my cloak on
my shoulders. Miss 'Lizabeth wanted me to come off with only
my bonnet."

And she produced the note, which Winthrop looked at and laid
on the table.

"How is Miss Elizabeth?"

"She's sort o'," said Clam. "She has her ups and downs like
other folks. She was down last night and she's up this mornin'
-- part way."

"I hope she is pleased with you, Clam."

"She ain't pleased with anything, much," said Clam; "so it
can't be expected. I believe she's pleased with me as much as
with anything else in our house. Last night she was cryin' as
if her head would split -- by the hour long."

"That is not part of your word to me, is it?"

"Not just," said Clam. "Mr. Winthrop, will you have me come
back for an answer?"

"Did Miss Elizabeth desire it?"

"I guess so," said Clam. "But she didn't tell me to come but
once."

"Then don't come again."

Clam rose to go and settled her cloak as she moved towards the
door.

"If she sends me I may come again, mayn't I, Mr. Winthrop?"
she said pausing.

"Yes," he said with a smile; but it was a very little bit of
one.

"How is Winifred?" said Clam.

"She is not well."

The smile had entirely passed away; his face was more grave
than ever.

"Is she more than common unwell?"

"Yes. Very much."

"Can I go in and see her, Mr. Winthrop?"

"Yes, if you please."

Clam went; and Winthrop took up Elizabeth's note.

"No 11 Parade, Dec. 20, 1821.

"I have just heard, briefly and vaguely, of the difficulties
between my father and your brother, and of the remedies you,
Mr. Landholm, are employing. I do not know the truth nor the
details of anything beyond the bare outlines. Those are
enough, and more than I know how to bear. I don't wish to have
anything explained to me. But Mr. Landholm, grant me one
favour -- you _must_ grant it, if you please -- do not let it be
explained any further to anybody. All you want, I suppose, is
to see your brother righted. I will pay the utmost of what is
due to him. I do not understand how the business lies -- but I
will furnish all the money that is wanting to set it right and
put an end to these proceedings, if you will only let me know
what it is. Please let me know it,