I declare I would not be uncharitable, but I thought it monstrous like--you know whom!" "Gracious! you don't say--" "I asked the woman 'if it was hers ?' and she said 'No,' but was very short." "Dear me, I must find this out! What is the name of the village ?" "Covedale." "Oh, I know--I know." "Not a word of this; I dare say there is nothing in it.

But I am not much in favour of your new lights." "Nor I neither.

What better than the good old Church of England ?" "Madam, your sentiments do you honour; you'll be sure not to say anything of our little mystery." "Not a syllable." Two days after this three old maids made an excursion to the village of Covedale, and lo! the cottage in question was shut up--the woman and the child were gone.

The people in the village knew nothing about them--had seen nothing particular in the woman or child--had always supposed them mother and daughter; and the gentleman identified by the clerical inquisitor with the banker had never but once been observed in the place.
"The vile old parson," said the eldest of the old maids, "to take away so good a man's character!--and the fly will cost one pound two, with the baiting!".