own here as soon as possible.'

"Well, Massa Alden, I didn't lose no time, sar, nor likewise let de
grass grow underneaf of my feet. I reckon I was in de saddle and off in
about ten minutes. But fast as I was, bress you, sar, de telegraf was
faster! When I got to de office and hand de message in to de gemman dere
I says:

"'Send it off quick, 'cause Miss Emmer wants Massa Alden to come down
right away.'

"'All right,' he says. 'De young gemman will be down by de next train.
And here's yer answer to yer message.'

"And sure nuff, Massa Alden, he hands me this yer," said Jerome,
pointing to Alden's own telegram. "And here's you too! Now, what anybody
think ob dat if it a'n't witchcraf'?"

"It is a coincidence, my good fellow. I was coming down, and I
telegraphed Miss Cavendish to that effect. When you brought her message
to the office you received mine, which must have been delayed. It is a
coincidence."

"Well I s'pose a coimperence is a fine book-larnin' name for
witchcraf'; but it's all the same thing after all," persisted Jerome.

"I hope they are all well at Blue Cliffs," said Mr. Lytton, who felt
some little uneasiness connected with Emma's telegram.

"Yes, sar, dey's all purty well, 'cept 'tis de ole madam. She a'n't been
that hearty as she ought to 'a' been."

"I hope she is not seriously ill."

"No, sar; dough I did leave a message long o' Doctor Willet to come out
dere dis morning; but you know de ole madam do frequent send for de
doctor."

"Come, Jerome, we must get on to the Hall," said Mr. Lytton, as he rode
out of the inn yard and turned into the road leading to Blue Cliffs,
followed by the servant.

Emma Cavendish, who was on the lookout for Jerome, was surprised and
delighted to see her lover ride up first, attended by her messenger.

"It's witchcraf', Miss Emmer!" exclaimed Jerome, as he got out of his
saddle to take the young gentleman's horse.

"It is a coincidence," laughed Alden, as he ran up the steps to greet
his beloved.

"Well, dat's de Latin for witchcraf', Miss Emmer; but it's all de same
t'ing in English," persisted Jerome, as he led away the horses.

"Jerome tells me that grandma is not well. I am sorry to hear it," said
Alden, as he walked with Emma into the house.

"Grandma is nearly ninety years old, and she can not ever be well in
this world; but she will soon be very well indeed, for she is very near
her eternal youth and health," said Emma, with tender, cheerful
ea