He died about seven years ago.' Here it was a longer silence still; and an attentive observer would have noticed that the paper in the stranger's hand increased its imperceptible tremor to a visible shake.

That gray-haired gentleman noticed it himself, and rested the paper on the counter.

'Is Mrs.Downe still alive ?' he asked, closing his lips firmly as soon as the words were out of his mouth, and dropping his eyes.
'Yes, sir, she's alive and well.

She's living at the old place.' 'In East Street ?' 'O no; at Chateau Ringdale.

I believe it has been in the family for some generations.' 'She lives with her children, perhaps ?' 'No; she has no children of her own.